SOCCER legend Lionel Messi returned from injury on Saturday and was greeted with a bizarre moment when a young fan ran onto the field for a photo.
Messi was back on the pitch for the first time since March 13 for Inter Miami’s match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday when an overzealous fan dashed towards the international icon.
The moment occurred late in the game, with the score tied at 2-2.
It’s unclear how the fan made it onto the field, but she was able to run up and approach Messi for a selfie.
She got close enough to put her around the soccer star and held her smartphone out to take a photo of the two.
The incident was quickly handled with a wave of security intervening and removing the fan from the field.
Messi’s security guard and ex-US Navy seal, Yassine Chueko, also assisted in removing the girl.
MLS fans swarmed social media with reactions to the fan “risking it” for a photo.
“She risked it all but got rewarded lol,” this fan said.
Another fan said, “It’s Messi, at the end of the day. That moment will stay with her forever.”
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“Ahhh people are so lucky,” a third expressed
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been out and stepped on the field first time after missing over two weeks with a hamstring injury.
His impact was felt instantly as he came off the bench and scored a goal, helping the team force a draw.
Messi joined the MLS in July of 2023 after a decorated international career.
However, since joining, he has had several run-ins with fans invading the pitch.
In July 2023, a fan was detained by security after attempting to run onto the field at DRV PNK Stadium to reach Messi after he was subbed off against Atlanta United.
Last September, Messi’s bodyguard was in the headlines for taking down a fan.
In the middle of the match, a fan donning a Messi Barcelona jersey ran onto the field until he was pulled away.
Another incident happened in October when a young fan was seen sprinting onto the field.
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Once again, Chueko stopped the kid, but this time, he allowed him to walk up to Messi, who then passed with the kid for a photo and signed his shirt.
Messi is currently at Inter Miami, and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season – but that deal includes an extension option for 2026.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
