Matty Cash gifted Lionel Messi's World Cup shirt by Emi Martinez

Matty Cash reveals Aston Villa team-mate Emiliano Martinez gifted him Lionel Messi’s shirt after Poland’s World Cup defeat by Argentina – and admits he was star-stuck by ‘seeing him in real life up close’

  • Matty Cash marked Argentine star Lionel Messi during yesterday’s group match
  • Poland suffered a 2-0 defeat by advanced to the World Cup last-16 as runners-up
  • Cash revealed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave him Messi’s shirt post-match
  • Poland will face reigning world champions France in the next round
  • Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

Matty Cash has revealed Aston Villa team-mate Emiliano Martinez gifted him Lionel Messi’s shirt after their World Cup group match, with the Poland full-back admitting to being star struck by the Argentina legend.

Poland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Argentina yesterday after second half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez at the Stadium 974.

The result saw the European nation scrape into the knock-out stage on goal difference, edging Mexico for second place in Group C.

Matty Cash, left, was forced to defend against Argentine star Lionel Messi in last night’s match

Cash told TalkSPORT that he had further cause for celebration, when Martinez presented him with Messi’s shirt.

‘The best thing about it was after the game, Emi Martinez comes up to me and says Cashy, I’ve got you a present,’ Cash said.

‘I was like “What could this be”. He’s said follow me in the tunnel, he’s gone in the changing room and said “wait there”.

‘He’s walked out with a Messi shirt for me, brilliant.

‘It doesn’t get much better than that, seeing him in real life up close.

‘I think he walked past me at half-time and I was looking at him like “that’s Messi”.’

Cash posted a photo of Messi’s match worn shirt from the World Cup group match 

Cash helped Poland reach the knock-out stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1986

The Aston Villa defender made his 10th appearance for Poland in yesterday’s group match.

Cash has established himself as Poland’s right-back since deciding his international allegiance lie with the nation last year.

The 25-year-old qualifies through his mother, whose parents are Polish.

Cash has played every minute for Poland so far at the tournament and will be expected to line-up against French star Kylian Mbappe in the last-16.

The match will be Poland’s first knock-out fixture at the World Cup since 1986. 

Poland will face the defending champions on Sunday at the Al Thumama Stadium. 




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