In an unusual twist to fandom, we bring you the interesting story of an Iranian man, Reza Parastesh, often referred to as ‘Fake Messi,’ due to his uncanny resemblance to football legend Lionel Messi.
https://www.max.com.gh/man-impersonatin…ng-with-23-women
Known for his striking similarity with Lionel Messi, Parastesh has been at the center of quite a controversy, accused of leveraging this resemblance to persuade women to sleep with him.
It’s been reported that he had sex with 23 women who claim they wouldn’t have consented if they’d known he wasn’t the famed Barcelona superstar.
Originally reported by the Spanish outlet Marca, this tale has resurfaced on social media, fueled by the Argentine’s recent move to Inter Miami in the MLS.
At the time of these accusations, Parastesh openly denied the allegations. His defense is rooted in his residence in a traditionally conservative country where engaging in sexual activities outside of marriage is considered unlawful.
Following an investigation, authorities found no evidence of wrongdoing and cleared him of the accusations.
The Iranian model’s journey to becoming a ‘Fake Messi’ is an interesting one. Reports suggest it all started when his father presented him with a Barcelona shirt.
Taking it a step further, Parastesh trimmed his hair and groomed his facial hair to mirror the former Barca forward, enhancing the resemblance.
A photograph of him quickly gained traction on the internet, earning him the nickname “Fake Messi”.
In an interview with AFP in 2017, Parastesh revealed his life’s significant transformation since being deemed a Messi look-alike.
Despite the mix-up, the scenario hasn’t been entirely detrimental for Parastesh. Post the incident, he’s received offers for modeling contracts and interviews.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Reza Parastesh expressed his discomfort regarding instances of genuine harassment he’s faced due to his resemblance with Messi.
Despite the challenges, he hopes to meet the real Lionel Messi someday, though he admits the chances are slim.
As this unusual tale continues to unravel, one thing is clear: If Lionel Messi ever needs a stand-in for a day, he knows whom to call.
