Young Supporter Tackled by Security After Running onto the Field to Embrace Messi

A passionate football fan took his admiration for Lionel Messi to the extreme when he ran onto the pitch during a friendly match between Argentina and Australia in Beijing on Thursday, 15 June. The fan, wearing an Argentina jersey, managed to reach his idol and give him a quick hug before security guards gave chase.

Footage from the incident shows the fan falling to the ground as several security personnel quickly swarm him, lifting him off the field while the crowd cheers in amusement. The fan’s brief moment with Messi was interrupted as he was escorted away.

Following the incident, police revealed that the fan has been banned from attending football stadiums for the next 12 months, a decision made in response to his breach of security. The event captured the attention of fans and showcased just how far some supporters will go to show their love for the football legend.