Audio By Carbonatix
An Egyptian painter has reportedly found an unlikely fan base in the North African nation - Barcelona football supporters, especially those who love star player Lionel Messi.
This is because 27-year-old Islam Mohammed Ibrahim Battah looks remarkably like the 33-year-old Argentine forward, considered the best footballer in the world.
"When I started growing my beard, my friends told me that I look like Messi. When I grew my beard even more, the resemblance was clearer," he told the Reuters news agency.
On a visit to an orphanage in Zagazig, a city about 90km (55 miles) north of the capital, Cairo, the children were delighted, the agency reports.
Wearing a Barcelona shirt, Battah played football with the children at a local training facility, Reuters says.
"The kids' happiness with the resemblance between me and Messi is indescribable," he is quoted as saying.
"When you make someone happy, God rewards you. I wanted to share this happiness with them."
Latest Stories
-
Chosen Royals Montessori urges graduates to embrace curiosity, discipline and confidence
5 minutes -
Gender Ministry, UNFPA rally stakeholders for implementation of revised adolescent pregnancy strategy
6 minutes -
Ghana Prisons Service joins 2026 World Ranger Day celebration at Mole National Park
7 minutes -
If I have to choose between the court and public sentiment, I would side with the court – Manasseh Azure
12 minutes -
Ghana Prisons Service joins security operation for Dagbon Regent’s enskinment
21 minutes -
Protecting our brain and health – A public lecture on World Brain Month 2026
22 minutes -
Check out the 12 bills passed by Parliament at its second meeting
32 minutes -
Many musicians go broke after their biggest hits – Konnected Minds Podcast founder
2 hours -
Sedina Tamakloe case: Godfred Dame’s prosecution was weak, trial court should be reviewed – Solomon Owusu
2 hours -
Sedina Tamakloe may not be innocent; except that someone did a poor job – Ivan Kyei
2 hours -
I was scandalised after reading Sedina Tamakloe judgment – Solomon Owusu
2 hours -
KOICA donates ICT Centre to Wesley Girls’ Basic School
2 hours -
Music never made me any money – Konnected Minds Podcast founder
2 hours -
We are teaching theory when students need practical skills – Konnected Minds founder
2 hours -
From hospitals to prisons: Ghana Medical Trust Fund extends lifeline to prisoners
2 hours