Zimbabwe star Hadebe makes most of Messi gift

Zimbabwean international Teenage Hadebe made the most of his recent encounter with Lionel Messi in the United States.

The Warriors defender led FC Cincinnati’s defence when they hosted Inter Miami featuring the Argentine in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Conference semifinal match on November 23.

The result might have been bad for the hosts who lost 4-0 the match, but the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-bound Hadebe still gained.

The visitors won the game 4-0 with Messi on target alongside Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende twice at TQL Stadium.

After the MSL game, the Zimbabwean swapped jerseys with the record eight-time Ballon d’Or record winner.

Instead of making the gift from Messi his own, the 30-year-old centre-back found a creative way of using it.

How Teenage Hadebe used the Messi jersey

Now back home, Hadebe has shown his class by honouring the country’s newly-crowned league champions Scottland FC’s president.

The Warriors defender has donated the Messi jersey to Scottland FC owner Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya. The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League kings confirmed Hadebe’s gesture via a statement.

“Zimbabwe international defender, Teenage Hadebe has delivered the Inter Miami jersey worn by world football GOAT, Lionel Messi when they played against Hadebe’s FC Cincinnati on November 23,” the statement reads.

“Inter Miami won the match 4-0 and Hadebe was the lucky one, swapping jerseys with the Argentinian legend after the match. Afterwards, Hadebe promised to give the jersey to Scottland FC president, Honourable Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya in honour of the great work done in developing football in the country.”

Scott Sakupwanya made history in Zimbabwe after buying big-name players such as Knowledge and Walter Musona and Khama Billiat, an investment that turned then rookies into the Castle Lager PSL champions.

Surely, the Zimbabwe football fraternity has acknowledged the exploits of Scottland, and Hadebe is no exception. The defender will lead the Warriors at the forthcoming AFCON in Morocco.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.