WORLD CUP viewers were left baffled after TV cameras lingered on Lionel Messi scratching his private parts during Argentina’s win over Croatia.
The 35-year-old lit up the first-half, scoring from the penalty spot to help his side into a 2-0 lead.
As he came out for the second period, telly cameras inevitably focused on the Argentine superstar.
Just as they did, Messi decided to itch his nether regions… for millions watching at home to see.
And as TV cameras took in the awkward moment, fans quickly commented on social media.
One wrote: “Why did they zoom in on Messi playing with his balls im kind of uncomfortable.”
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And a second added: “just had to watch Messi scratch his balls for 10 seconds on live tv.”
A third Twitter user joked: “obligatory shot of Messi scratching his balls in different angles.”
While a fourth asked: “why’d they zoom into Messi scratching his balls?”
Another seemed to enjoy it, however, tweeting: “The close up shot of Lionel Messi scratching his balls has got to be the highlight of this World Cup in my opinion.”
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A further fan quipped: “the cameramen giving like three different angles of messi scratching his balls. This is what football is all about.”
And another added: “Thanks World Cup control room for giving us multiple angles of a close up on Messi scratching his nuts. Vital television.”
Messi’s 34th minute penalty was followed by a stunning, albeit fortuitous, solo goal by Julian Alvarez.
And in the 70th minute he produced another moment of magic, bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before teeing up Alvarez for his side’s third as they coasted to a 3-0 victory.
Messi is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time during his glittering career.
He has reached one previous final, losing 1-0 to Germany in Brazil eight years ago.
But will face his date with destiny on Sunday against either Morocco or France.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
