Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana has revealed a cherished piece of football memorabilia – a jersey exchanged with Lionel Messi – and a surprising detail about its preservation. The Belgian international, currently a key figure in Unai Emery’s squad, recounted the story in a recent video shared by influencer Just Riadh, offering a glimpse into the world of player exchanges and the reverence for footballing icons.
Onana, who joined Aston Villa in July 2024, according to Transfermarkt, has quickly established himself as a vital component of the team’s midfield. His journey to the Premier League has taken him through several clubs, including Lille and Everton, and began with formative years at Hamburger SV. But it’s a moment from his time at Lille in February 2022 that has recently resurfaced, capturing the attention of football fans.
The story centers around a Ligue 1 match between Lille and Paris Saint-Germain. Onana, then a rising talent in French football, harbored a long-held admiration for Messi. “I knew I was going to play against him,” Onana explained in the video. “I had just arrived in France, I was 19, 20 years old… and I have always been a very, very, very big fan of this man.”
Driven by his fandom, Onana meticulously planned a jersey exchange with the Argentine superstar. “I have a friend who is Belgian, but his parents are Spanish. So, he speaks Spanish. Three weeks before the match, I asked him to tell me the phrase I should say to Messi. I wanted it to be in Spanish, I wanted him to feel that it came from the heart.”
However, the initial exchange didn’t go as planned. Messi, according to Onana, initially offered his jersey to Angel Gomes. Undeterred, Onana seized the opportunity to intercept Messi in the tunnel after the first half. “I crossed paths with him in the tunnel and I said: ‘Leo, ¿Podemos cambiar la camiseta por favor?’ (Leo, can we exchange jerseys please?). It came out smoothly, but he didn’t know I had been practicing it for three weeks,” Onana recounted with a laugh.
The resulting jersey now holds a special place in Onana’s collection, which he described as comprising “two big boxes with all the jerseys I’ve exchanged.” Among the shirts from players like Ekitiké, Konaté, Openda, Haaland, Mbappé, and Thiago Silva, the Messi jersey stands out. And, remarkably, it remains unwashed.
“It’s the only and unique jersey that I haven’t washed,” Onana confessed. “There are still traces on it. But the guy didn’t even sweat! It doesn’t even smell like a jersey.” This candid admission highlights the sentimental value Onana places on the memento, preserving it as a tangible reminder of a cherished encounter with one of the greatest footballers of all time.
While the Messi jersey is a prized possession, Onana also expressed a slight regret regarding a missed opportunity. “My only regret is not having taken Ronaldo’s when I played against United with Everton,” he admitted, hinting at a future pursuit of another iconic shirt.
Amadou Onana and Aston Villa return to Premier League action on March 29th, 2026, against Brentford at Villa Park. The match is scheduled for a 3:00 PM GMT kickoff. Fans can follow updates and team news on the official Aston Villa website and social media channels. Onana’s continued development will be crucial as Villa push for a strong finish in the league and potentially a European qualification spot.
The story of Onana’s Messi jersey exchange offers a charming insight into the world of professional football, where moments of admiration and respect transcend the competitive spirit. It’s a reminder that even at the highest level, players are often fans themselves, cherishing the opportunity to connect with their idols.
