A pitch invader tried to get Lionel Messi's autograph during Argentina's 3-0 win against Jamaica, but his plans were scuppered when security got involved.
Argentina extended their impressive unbeaten run to 35 matches over a three year period after goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi [2] sealed a relatively straightforward victory in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match.
Messi's exploits during the game – two trademark efforts that increased his international tally to 90 goals in 164 appearances - inevitably grabbed the headlines on Tuesday night.
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The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner came off the bench in the 55th minute and enjoyed a late flurry, with this free-kick in stoppage time being the standout goal in another sublime outing for his country.
He's just too good.
MESSI FREE KICK GOAL! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wSUBroitFY
— J. (@Messilizer) September 28, 2022
MESSI SCORES A BEAUTY OF A GOAL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vKHyPCiJhb
— J. (@Messilizer) September 28, 2022
In the aftermath of one of Messi's goals against Heimir Hallgrimsson's side, an eager fan – armed with a sharpie pen – attempted to get the PSG forward's signature after sprinting across the Red Bull Arena.
The 35-year-old was taken by surprise judging by his reaction but seconds later he selflessly prepared to sign the supporter's back, although things didn't exactly to plan when security finally caught up with the man.
Check out that moment below. He was so close...
Lionel Messi about to sign an autograph for a pitch invader.pic.twitter.com/rfh8xOC3Xc
— Mundo Albiceleste 🇦🇷 (@MundoAlbicelest) September 28, 2022
After the full-time whistle, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni compared Messi to one of tennis' all-time greats.
“He is like Federer. He retired and the entire world got emotional thinking he won’t be here anymore," he told TyC Sports.
“It was wonderful to see him play. The same thing with him, although much more because football is a sport that moves much more. It’s why the entire world enjoys him, regardless of the country.
“It’s wonderful to see. I have the possibility of coaching him but if I were a fan, I would pay the ticket. The only thing left is to enjoy him because I don’t know if there will ever be anything like him.”
Lionel Messi casually comes on as a substitute after having started the game on the bench with cold like symptoms, scores a goal from outside of the penalty area and minutes later scores a free kick. The GOAT. 🐐🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6UturDlHQD
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 28, 2022
Thoughts on Messi's performance against Jamaica ahead of this winter's World Cup? Can he help his country to a historic win in Qatar?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: @MundoAlbicelest/Twitter
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Jamaica, Football World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain
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