By: Vibhuti Pathak
Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal experienced a fanboy moment like no other when he received a signed jersey from none other than football icon Lionel Messi. The star took to social media on April 20 to share this special gesture, calling it an “unforgettable gift” and a moment that will remain etched in his heart forever.
Sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter), Mohanlal gave fans a glimpse of Messi signing the jersey. The clip also captured the jersey being gently unwrapped, revealing not just Messi’s signature but also Mohanlal’s name inscribed on it—a personalized token from one legend to another. Alongside the video and a photo of himself holding the signed jersey, Mohanlal wrote a heartfelt caption expressing his joy and admiration.
“Some moments in life feel too profound for words. They stay with you forever. Today, I experienced one of those moments. As I gently unwrapped the gift, my heart skipped a beat – a jersey signed by the legend himself, Lionel Messi. And there it was – my name, written in his own hand,” wrote the actor.
He added, “For someone who has long admired Messi, not just for his brilliance on the field but for his humility and grace, this was truly special. This incredible moment wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness of two dear friends: Dr. Rajeev Mangottil and Rajesh Philip. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And above all, thank you, God, for this unforgettable gift.”
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Fans flooded the post with messages of admiration, calling the moment “legend meets legend.” The interaction between two global icons from vastly different fields resonated deeply, especially among Mohanlal’s massive fan base in India and the Middle East, where football and cinema often intersect in cultural fandom.
On the work front, Mohanlal was last seen in L2: Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer. The film, which released on March 27, saw him team up once again with actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran. L2: Empuraan has been widely appreciated for its action-packed narrative and Mohanlal’s compelling performance.
In addition, the superstar has confirmed that Drishyam 3, the third installment of the blockbuster thriller series, is officially in the works. The Drishyam franchise, which began in 2013, follows the gripping story of Georgekutty, a protective family man entangled in a murder investigation. The film was remade into multiple languages, with Ajay Devgn starring in the Hindi adaptation.
Mohanlal’s recent interaction with Lionel Messi adds another memorable chapter to his illustrious career. It serves as a reminder of how art, sport, and admiration transcend borders, bringing people together in the most heartfelt ways.