Lionel Messi's tendency to desist from exchanging jerseys with opponents unless asked has been extensively documented.

This explains why Ghanaian footballer Harrison Afful became a trending topic on Ghana's Twitter.

A camera captured a moment showing Afful exchanging jerseys with the football icon during a League Cup match where Afful represented Charlotte FC against Messi's Inter Miami.

Despite his team's 4-0 loss, the noteworthy aspect of the match was the intriguing interaction between the experienced player and the seven-time Ballon d'Or awardee after the game concluded.

"I remember before the match started, Messi gave me a wink, and I winked back at him. I think as the game progressed, we somehow got attuned to each other's presence, given that I was playing as a left-back and my responsibility included marking him.

"At some point during the match, I approached him for his jersey, and he agreed," Afful enthusiastically recounted to GHANASoccernet.com.

"After halftime, just before the second half began, we exchanged more winks, something that players often do. So, after the game, I approached him, and he kept his word."

Afful then added with a smile, "Messi had the option to give his jersey to any player, but I suppose he showed me kindness.

"I can't predict what he intends to do with my jersey, but it's truly an honour to possess the shirt of one of the most exceptionally talented individuals to have graced the game."