Messi doppelganger plans to meet Barcelona star

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) –Lionel Messi’s doppelganger in Iran spoke to Kurdistan 24 about his new life after receiving worldwide attention.

Reza Paratesh, from the Iranian capital of Tehran, is now well-known among football fans around the world.

He recounted his meeting with former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

“Casillas was in shock and he just told me that if you knew Spanish no one would have known you are not the real Messi,” Paratesh told Kurdistan 24.

Paratesh, who was previously working at a bakery saw a new turn in his life after he was offered thousands of dollars to advertise for local and regional companies.

“I have received many offers in Iran and other countries,” Paratesh said. 

Paratesh, who has also received offers from the Kurdistan Region companies, is skeptical about accepting any offer just yet.

He said he intends to meet the Argentinian player Lionel Messi before accepting any such offers, hoping they can work together.

The Iranian Messi revealed to Kurdistan 24 that he has received 12 offers from Kurdistan Region companies but he does not want to accept any offer now.

Messi’s doppelganger said that he has received invitations from Spanish companies as well, stating that he is planning to visit the country in September, planning to meet Barcelona star Messi.

Editing by Ava Homa

(Qadir Darweshpour contributed to this report from Tehran)