A STARSTRUCK football crazy lad was the envy of his classmates and teachers after meeting Lionel Messi in front of a global TV audience of millions.

Cameron McEwan proudly strode out hand-in-hand with the twinkle-toed ace as a match mascot for last week’s Champions League encounter between Celtic and Messi’s Barcelona.

The eight-year-old’s teachers at Inverkip Primary couldn’t wait to ‘high-five’ his left hand when he went back to school the next day — because that was the one which held that of the five-time world player of the year.

But Morton fan Cameron — who plays for Ardgowan Thistle — had no idea he would be walking out with the Argentine ace.

Dad and fellow ‘Ton supporter Steven, top right, told today how he was in one of the stands at Celtic Park and only discovered his wee boy had been paired up with Messi when his mobile phone ‘started going mad’.

Steven, 40, said: “Loads of people who were watching on TV started messaging me to say they couldn’t believe Cameron had got Messi.

“He was originally due to be a mascot at the recent Manchester City v

Borussia Mönchengladbach game, but that was rained off and we couldn’t stay overnight for the game to be played the next evening.

“Then we were offered Celtic/Barca and it was a ‘no brainer’.

“To get Messi, it was just like all of the planets had aligned for Cameron.”
Young Cameron told the Telegraph: “I was really excited.

“I needed to pinch myself to believe it.

“I was so happy, he’s one of my favourite players.”

Dad Steven added: “Cameron was just starstruck and lost for words afterwards.

“His first comment was, ‘I’m up to Messi’s chest’.

“Cameron is eight and is football daft.

“His favourite team is Morton, both of us are Morton fans.

“He was asked if he’d support Celtic now and he said, ‘Only if they sign Jai Quitongo!’.

“Even Cameron’s teachers were amazed that he’d got to meet Messi.

“They wanted to high-five his left hand because that was the one he used to hold Messi’s hand.

“It was a great night.”