Lismore Workers Club striker Massimo Feletti thrilled to be ball carrier at Women’s World Cup quarter-final match in Brisbane

A young Lismore footballer has spoken about his awesome experience as match ball carrier during the epic Matildas v France quarter-final clash in Brisbane.

Lismore Workers Club footballer Massimo Feletti at Suncorp Stadium before the Matilda's v France quarter-final in Brisbane.

A young Northern Rivers footballer who lost his home in the 2022 floods has had the experience of a lifetime as a ball carrier in the Women’s World Cup quarter-final.

Massimo Feletti was selected as an official match ball carrier and ran out onto the pitch during the match between the Matildas and France in Brisbane on Saturday.

Massimo, 10, was waiting in the tunnel to run out for the match, with more than 49,000 fans cheering.

Lismore Workers Club footballer Massimo Feletti at Suncorp Stadium before the Matilda's v France quarter-final in Brisbane.

The family “tried to get an early night” before trekking from Lismore to Brisbane.

“We had to be at the stadium at 12,” Massimo’s mother Nicole Feletti said.

The family were met by a FIFA chaperone who looked after the match ball carriers for the day.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ms Feletti said Massimo came out of the tunnel at kick-off and led officials onto the pitch, followed by the two teams.

“He stood in the middle of the pitch and after the national anthems he handed the ball to the match officials and then came off and watched the game with us,” Ms Feletti said.

She said her son was “buzzing”.

“He said standing in the tunnel the Aussie change rooms were on the left and the French on the right. He was just standing there when Sam Kerr just casually walked past – he was just over the moon with the whole experience.”

Massimo Feletti, 10, of Lismore, when he was chosen as one of 35 junior footballers from across Australia to be official match ball carriers for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Massimo said he felt “nervous” and “really scared” before the match, but did some training and “felt better”.

“It was really cool when I went out onto the pitch,” he said.

“It was a good moment.”

The young striker is “excited to be home” and can’t wait to be back kicking a ball around with his mates.

Sam Kerr in action against France. Picture: Lachie Millard

Ms Feletti said she and Massimo’s father, Piere, were “very proud” and the stadium “was an amazing place to be”.

“Just the game itself – it was such an occasion,” she said.

Massimo was asked if he would do it all again, despite the nerves.

“Definitely,” he replied.

After a heartbreaking defeat to England on Wednesday night, the Matilda’s still have the chance to leave the tournament with a historic third place ranking.

The team faces off against Sweden at 6pm on Saturday.