Tim Weah is hugged by his father and Liberian President George Weah after the US beat Iran 1-0

Liberian President George Weah hugged his son and USMNT winger Tim Weah on Tuesday after the US’s crucial 1-0 victory over Iran as the Americans progressed to the round of 16 of the World Cup.

The 22-year-old was seen wearing a FIFA-sponsored orange bib as he met his mum and dad, Clar, in the tunnel of Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium after being substituted for centre-back Walker Zimmerman in the 82nd minute.

“The final comeback,” George said to his son as he gave him a hug and a pat on the back for his contribution in leading the USA to second place in Group B.

HUG FOR THE CAMERA: President George Weah of Liberia hugs his son Tim after the US qualified for the Round of 16 at the World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Iran on Tuesday

Weah started for the USA for the third World Cup game in a row and played in all Group B games

Just last week, Tim scored the Star and Stripes’ first goal of their World Cup campaign in a 1-1 draw against Wales. On Tuesday he thought he had scored his second goal of the tournament, but his shot was disallowed for offside.

He also started all three Red, White and Blue games in Qatar and will certainly try to keep his place in the Americans’ starting eleven against the Netherlands in Saturday’s Round of 16.

“We worked so hard as a group to get into these kinds of positions and Iran played a beautiful game,” Weah told Fox Sports after Gregg Berhalter’s young side secured their first World Cup victory.

“But you know, thanks to Christian, he put it away and got hurt in the process, but we love him and thank him and we’re done. So it’s a great feeling.’

Weah, 22, celebrates with teammates after the final whistle of the US-Iran match was blown

George Weah, President of Liberia, watches from the stands as his son plays during Iran vs. USA at Al Thumama Stadium

The tricky winger, who plays for Ligue 1 side Lille OSC, was born in New York while his father was still a professional player. The winger made his US debut in 2018 and is the first member of his family to play in a World Cup, as his George has never played on Liberia’s biggest football stage.

The Liberian president is one of Africa’s biggest players and remains the only African to win the Ballon d’Or.

He played as a striker for Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City during an 18-year club career. His last appearance for Liberia was in September 2018, when he made a surprise appearance at the age of 51 in an exhibition game against Nigeria, a year after being elected leader of the country.

“Congratulations,” Brazilian legend Pele wrote to Tim, who dedicated his goal against Wales to the US and his father’s native Liberia.

Brazilian legend Pele congratulated Tim on Instagram after the tricky winger scored the US’ first World Cup goal in a 1-1 draw against Wales last week

Weah will claim his goal against Wales on his father, who was never allowed to play in a World Cup

“It was a beautiful goal,” added the three-time World Cup champion. “Keep dreaming, dreams come true.”

Tim called him ‘Papa Pele’ and responded wonderfully to the football by thanking him for the ‘inspiring message’.

“Thank you for all you have done for the world and for us young black men,” Weah wrote, adding “Grandes Abraços,” which means “big hugs” in Portuguese.

Timothy was then asked about the exchange on Good Morning America.

George Weah, recipient of the 1995 Ballon D’Or, is the only African player ever to win the prestigious award. He played for PSG (pictured), AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City during an 18-year club career

“It meant everything to me,” he said. “I mean, it’s a great feeling to get a message from one of the greatest to ever do it. I feel blessed to even be in the position where he, you know, felt the need to give me that kind of encouragement.

“I love him and, you know, dreams do come true, so whoever is watching this, all the little boys and girls, make sure you believe in yourself and your dreams will come true one day.”

Tim was also asked how he grew up in Rosedale, Queens, a suburb of the New York borough.

“Small town kid, came from Rosedale, you know, it’s a very community feeling,” he said. Shoutout to everyone out there. I want to thank them for, you know, always pushing me to be the best I can be. I know that I represent a whole group of people and represent the community. I love you and can’t wait to come back home and celebrate with you.’