Argentine football star Lionel Messi was mobbed by dozens of fans as he was leaving a restaurant in Miami on Thursday evening.
He had to be led to his car by security guards after fans encircled the eatery's entrance seeking a selfie with the world-famous player.
A video of the encounter has since been shared on social media.
The owner of Cafe Ragazzi, an Italian restaurant Messi picked that evening, took to Twitter to thank the player for choosing their eatery.
"Thank you Leo for allowing us to honour you and thank you also for the happiness you gift us all the time".
Messi is currently vacationing with his wife Antonella and their three sons. His contract with Barca ended at the end of June.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly agreed to a 50 percent pay cut at the club and now awaits confirmation of his stay with the Catalan giants.