The Georgian Chess Federation reported that Lionel Messi sent an autographed T-shirt to Nona Gapindashvili, five-time world chess champion, on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Akaki Iashvili, Vice-President of the International Chess Federation, handed the gift to Nona.
Lionel Messi, the 6-time winner of the Golden Ball, sent a T-shirt with a Spanish inscription to the Georgian champion: Nona, happy birthday!
“This gift was very unexpected for me, but here are such words, my name is also written, Happy Birthday – Leo Messi. In my museum, this T-shirt will take the place of a special exhibit,” said the Georgian champion.
Nona Gaprindashvili has been a fan of Barcelona and Messi for years. The Argentine football player learned about it from FIDE leaders, and the main initiator of the surprise was FIDE Vice President Akaki Iashvili.
By Ketevan Skhirtladze
