Die-hard fans will do just about anything to get close to their idols, even in sports.
This smile on the fans face even after getting caught shows what it means to fulfil your dream of meeting Leo Messi pic.twitter.com/fzjqzmAhqJ
— Leo Messi Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) June 15, 2023
For 18-year-old nicknamed Di, his antics have landed him in hot waters by the Chinese authorities. His offense? Running onto the pitch to hug football ace Lionel Messi.
As seen in the video, he reportedly breached security and made a sprint towards the pitch during the second half of the match.
A Chinese fan invaded the pitch during the Argentina-Australia match to hug Lionel Messi and ran to Argentine keeper Emiliano Martinez for a high-five on the other side of the pitch, before being escorted away by security officials. pic.twitter.com/KdRWNwLPld
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 15, 2023
A shocked Messi eventually returned the gesture, but not without several security personnel tackling Di later on. He’s now been banned from attending any matches at The Workers’ Stadium for 12 MONTHS.
As for the friendly match, the Argentinian team scored 2-0 against Australia’s Socceroos, sparking a frenzy of over 50,000 fans.
