I'm saving it for life, says Christian Annan on prized Lionel Messi jersey

Hong Kong forward Christian Kwesi Annan missed his chance to score last night but he still walked away with a big prize - Lionel Messi's jersey.

"He said I am the best player in my team, and asked to exchange jerseys with me," said Annan with a big smile. "It feels amazing. I have a lot of respect for him. I tried to challenge him and couldn't get the ball from him. He is very pacey.

"Watching Messi on TV you think it's easy to take the ball from him but it is impossible [in reality]. He has quick feet," he said.

The Ghanaian, who plays for Kitchee, said the jersey would be his lifelong companion.

"I am saving it for life. I'm not going to trade it for anything. I'm going to frame it, put it on the wall and then treasure it," said Annan.