|| CF CORRESPONDENT ||

After securing the maiden U-19 Asia Cup trophy in Dubai, Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team captain, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, engaged in a celebration that bore a striking resemblance to Lionel Messi's iconic post-FIFA World Cup win celebration in Qatar the previous year.

Upon receiving the trophy from ACC president Jay Shah, Rabby replicated Messi's celebratory moves before joining his team in raising the trophy, creating a symbolic tribute to Messi's triumph with Argentina.

However, upon the team's return home, Rabby, who is a Brazilian fan, clarified that his intention was not to imitate Messi but rather to entertain and amuse his teammates during the celebratory moment.

"No, I wasn't following anyone. I'm actually a Brazil supporter. I did the Messi celebration because my teammates really enjoy that celebration. I'm not an Argentina supporter," Rabby told the media at Mirpur on Monday.

Bangladesh have once again asserted its dominance in age-level cricket by clinching the Under-19 Asia Cup title after beating UAE by 195 runs in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Bangladesh's Victory Day, 16 December.

The young Tigers accomplished the remarkable feat, surpassing even the achievements of the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup-winning team.

This victory solidifies Bangladesh's position at the pinnacle of youth cricket, showcasing the nation's prowess and consistent success at the Under-19 level.