Argentinean superstar Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the most popular and loved footballer on the planet.

Regarded as one of the most recognizable sportsmen, one Iranian fan is embracing the Barca superman resemblance.

Meet Reza Parastesh, your regular guy from Iran, but with a striking resemblance to none other than Lionel Messi, which has made Reza a  celebrity in Iran.

In an interview with Ruptly TV, Reza said: "The first time that I seriously decided to take a photo with sports clothes and introduce myself as the double of Messi, my father encouraged me, He said - do it."

"It was the match between Iran and Argentina and Messi scored a goal in the final minutes, prompting Iran's exit from the World Cup. My father is a football fan, so he called me and told me 'don't come home tonight' because he thought that I scored that goal.

Reza added that he hopes to meet his hero one day.