Who is the man who stood next to Messi by the Pyramids?

Ever since Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi visited the Pyramids on his trip to Egypt, people have been buzzing on social media asking about the man photographed by his side.

Ever since Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi visited the Pyramids on his trip to Egypt, people have been buzzing on social media asking about the man photographed by his side. The man turned out to be “Uncle Ashraf,” head of security guards of Egypt’s pyramids district.

“Uncle Ashraf” told Egyptian daily al-Masry al Youm: “I certainly know Messi before his visit to Egypt, he plays for Barcelona,” adding: “of course, the area was secured by police forces prior to the visit. Messi has been met by Dr. Zahi,” in reference to Zahi Howas, Egyptian Archeologist and former Minister of Antiquities Affairs.”

He shot to social media stardom due to his photo next to Messi, which was captured by a request from the “Barca” superstar, “Uncle Ashraf” claimed. He continued: “I carried on with my work after the jovial moment, then, I was astounded when my relative told me: ‘You have turned into a celebrity.’”