Security guards nearly brought down Argentina skipper Lionel Messi after the legendary footballer was approached by one of his supporters who invaded the field to seek his autograph on his back.
The incident happened immediately after Julian Alvarez's opening goal for Argentina in the first half when a fan entered the pitch and offered his back to Messi for his signature.
Although the 35-year-old megastar was taken aback by the fan's request, he obliged him and began scrawling his signature on the man's bare back.
The incident happened immediately after Julian Alvarez's opening goal for Argentina in the first half when a fan entered the pitch and offered his back to Messi for his signature.
Although the 35-year-old megastar was taken aback by the fan's request, he obliged him and began scrawling his signature on the man's bare back.
But moments later, security personnel rushed towards him, and in their attempt to tackle the fan to the ground, they nearly barreled Messi over in the process.
The entire episode was caught on camera, with the video now going viral on social media. After being posted hours ago, the clip has raked in more than a million views on Twitter.
The entire episode was caught on camera, with the video now going viral on social media. After being posted hours ago, the clip has raked in more than a million views on Twitter.
Several netizens slammed the security staff for nearly injuring Messi, especially at a time when the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is just around the corner.
"When the security poses a greater injury threat than the fan," a Twitter user wrote.
"Securities ditched Messi even more than that fan," another added sarcastically.
"When the security poses a greater injury threat than the fan," a Twitter user wrote.
"Securities ditched Messi even more than that fan," another added sarcastically.