Georgia's chess legend Nona Gaprindashvili received an autographed Argentina national team jersey from the globally renowned footballer Lionel Messi, marking the latest exchange of gifts between two prominent figures in the world of sports. The shirt was presented to Gaprindashvili by Gvaram Khandamishvili, the Georgian Ambassador to Argentina.

The recent gesture follows Messi’s 2021 presentation of a signed FC Barcelona jersey to Gaprindashvili in celebration of her 80th birthday. In return, the five-time World Chess Champion gifted Messi a jewelry chess set, crafted in 2021, which commemorated Argentina's victory in the Copa América.

Gaprindashvili, recognized as the greatest Georgian female sportsperson of the 20th century in 1999, has also served as the Honorary President of Georgia’s National Olympic Committee since 1996. Her remarkable achievements have been celebrated with numerous honors, including the naming of the Chess Palace in Tbilisi after her in 2001, and the awarding of the Order of Excellence of Georgia in 2015.