Ignoring security measures, the 18-year-old fan leaped over the advertising boards and charged toward Lionel Messi. Surprisingly, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner warmly welcomed the fan’s embrace during the friendly match.
A teenager who gained national attention in China by running onto the pitch and embracing Lionel Messi has been detained by Chinese police.
The 18-year-old fan, identified by his family name Di, made headlines on Thursday during a friendly match between Argentina and Australia in Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal.
As Messi captivated the crowd with his exceptional skills, one young fan could not resist the allure of being close to his idol. Ignoring security measures, the teenager leaped over the advertising boards and charged toward Messi. Surprisingly, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner warmly welcomed the fan’s embrace.
After the brief encounter with the football megastar and a salute to the crowd, the young fan evaded security and embarked on a sprint around the pitch, even managing to exchange a high-five with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. However, his escapade came to an end when he slipped and fell to the ground, allowing security personnel to apprehend him. He was then carried away from the field by a multitude of guards.
Despite his intrusion onto the pitch, the young fan initially faced no punishment. In a later update, it was revealed that he was under 18 years old, leading security to simply return him to the stands. Upon his return, he was swarmed by fellow fans eager to take photos with the teenager who had just hugged Messi.
Meanwhile, Messi delivered an exceptional performance during the match, delighting the packed stands with his skills. He achieved two notable milestones in the 2-0 victory against Australia. Firstly, he scored the fastest goal of his illustrious career, finding the back of the net after a mere 81 seconds.
Messi also extended his streak of scoring in seven consecutive games for Argentina, setting a new personal record. Remarkably, throughout his career, he has scored in every minute of a game except for the opening minute.
