The Argentine’s doppelganger has been milking his newfound fame in the city of Hamedan – and the results have troubled police.

Reza Parastesh has become the centre of attention in Iran just a few weeks after he was discovered by Persia’s Mehr News Agency for looking just like Barcelona icon Lionel Messi.

The publicity stunt seems to have done the trick: Parastesh had to be rushed to a police station and have his car impounded after roaming the streets of Hamedan.

His presence led to him being mobbed by Messi fans who wanted photos with the lookalike – so much so, that he was even causing traffic jams due to supporters surrounding his car.

“When I show up somewhere, people are really shocked.

“I’m really happy that seeing me makes them happy, and this happiness gives me a lot of energy.”

Parastesh has admitted practicing his ball skills to impress those new fans – but they might just be disappointed.