‘Iranian Lionel Messi’ accused of tricking feminine followers into intercourse hits out at Gary Lineker
A man dubbed the ‘Iranian Lionel Messi’ for his uncanny resemblance to the Argentina football god opened up about the dark side of his viral fame
Reza Parastesh bears a striking resemblance to Lionel Messi
Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi has dedicated his life to becoming one of the greatest players to ever step onto a football pitch.
However, Reza Parastesh found fame in a rather different way – by bearing an uncanny resemblance to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. Known as the “Iranian Messi”, he became an internet sensation back in 2017 due to his striking likeness to the star. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it?
But while Reza, 34, saw his life change overnight in a way many can only dream of, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for him since then.
Reza spends his time impersonating Lionel Messi(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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This is largely down to allegations that he exploited his looks to trick adoring Messi fans into bed. In 2019, Spanish publication Marca reported that he’d duped a total of 23 women into sleeping with him, under the impression he was the former Barcelona and current PSG player, reports the Daily Star.
Reza vehemently denied these claims – after all, he resides in a traditionally conservative country where sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal. However, this didn’t prevent the rumour from spreading rapidly, with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker being one high-profile figure who shared the story with his millions of followers.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, Reza said: “Spreading this false news is unforgivable in my opinion. I don’t have an international lawyer to pursue this matter and take it to court.
Reza Parastesh’s looks have been likened to Lionel Messi(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
“This news affected my work and my public and social position adversely. This was the worst fake news they made for me and I even don’t know why.
“Put yourself in my place. You’re living in a Muslim country and this false news is spread, what will happen? Do you know that this sentence carries the death penalty in my country?
“This will be a national disaster. Of course, many people would know that this was fake news and you won’t find even one person who makes such a claim against me.”
Reza’s sudden celebrity status also brought trouble with Iranian authorities, who detained him for causing public disorder when he was swarmed by crowds desperate to snap photos with him.
“I was arrested several times in Iran and Russia,” he revealed. “People gather around me so much that the street will be closed, especially during sports events.
Reza being mobbed by fans in Argentina(Image: Instagram/@rezaparastesh)
“It was not that easy. I felt that my responsibility increased, people had expectations and demands from me, from taking pictures to financial aid and many other things.
“A new chapter happened in my life. I was praised in many places, but I was insulted in many places too. At first, it was very hard for me, but I tried to change their opinion about myself.”
Reza watched from a distance as his homeland crashed out of the Qatar World Cup during the group phase, which would have proved disappointing but also sidestepped a potentially uncomfortable scenario had they encountered Messi and his teammates in the knockout rounds. Indeed, he’s found himself in that situation before when Iran suffered a 1-0 defeat in the 2014 World Cup group stage – and it goes without saying who netted the last-minute winner for Argentina.
“After Messi scored against Iran, my father did not allow me to enter the house,” Reza reminisced.
Even though Messi, at 39, has retired from international football, Reza isn’t worried about what lies ahead for him once his doppelganger finally hangs up his boots at club level too.
“I thought about this a lot,” he confessed. “It doesn’t matter. I look like Messi. My name has remained in history as Reza Parastesh, who looks like Messi and it always stays like this.
“I always try to help many people in this way. I have a start-up teaching English right now, and we teach English to autistic and needy children for free. I hope I can develop this too.
“I believe with all the difficulties and limitations in my country, I am the first person who was able to show myself as a someone who looks like a football player to many countries in the world and create good impressions.
“It makes me very happy to make people happy and do something for them. I am proud to look like Messi.”
