Lionel Messi Sent Journalist Paul Hayward Signed Shirt After Article on Cancer

Barcelona star Lionel Messi sent a signed shirt to the Daily Telegraph’s chief sports writer Paul Hayward after being touched by an article the journalist penned about cancer.

Hayward posted the following bulletin on his Twitter feed, depicting the signed jersey and thanking the forward for his gesture:

In the initial piece, Hayward talked about his own cancer treatment and how moments in sport helped him during tough times. He referenced the exploits of New Zealand rugby star Dan Carter and Messi’s memorable goal against Bayern Munich as particularly invigorating memories.

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Hayward, in a separate piece penned since receiving the gift, has revealed he became aware of the fact that Messi's family had read the article referencing his stunning goal. 

“A few months later something special was delivered to me at an impromptu meeting place,” he added. “It was a Barcelona shirt, inscribed with a personal message from Messi, together with a letter of encouragement.”

[Twitter, Daily Telegraph]