Lionel Messi got hugged by a fan who ran onto the field wearing a No. 10 Argentina shirt Thursday during a 2-0 friendly win over Australia in which the World Cup champion scored the fastest goal of his career.
Messi was standing near the corner flag in the second half when the fan ran onto the field and embraced him. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared to be surprised as the fan approached, but then put his arm around the interloper's back before security guards quickly moved in.
The fan bolted across the field and high-fived Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on the other end before doubling back across the grass and tripping. The invader was eventually carried off the field.
Moments later, Messi helped set up the second goal for German Pezzella in the 68th minute at the Worker's Stadium in Beijing.
Earlier, Messi had scored with almost his first touch, only a week after deciding to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami.
Emerging to massive cheers from the Chinese fans, many of them wearing the famous blue-and-white national team shirts, Messi scored after 1 minute, 19 seconds in Argentina's third game since beating France in the World Cup final in December.
Australia midfielder Mathew Leckie slipped inside his own half, allowing Enzo Fernandez to feed Messi, who stepped around Aiden O'Neill on the edge of the area and curled the ball past the diving Mat Ryan.
Messi came close again minutes later but Australia soon worked themselves into the match. Mitch Duke's shot was pushed onto the post by Martinez.
Messi then had another chance before half time but the 35-year-old forward shot over with only the goalkeeper to beat. In the second half, Messi again went close, this time from a free kick in the 65th minute.
Mbappe loses cool
Paris: Kylian Mbappe said French President Emmanuel Macron has no influence on his career choices as the Paris Saint-Germain forward lost his cool on Thursday when questioned about his future with the Ligue 1 champions.
Mbappe sent a letter to PSG stating that he had no intention of extending his contract, which expires in 2024, but he later clarified that he had not asked the French club to allow him to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
When Mbappe was linked with a move away from PSG in 2021, Macron had urged him to stay at PSG and to continue playing in the French top flight.
“What influence does the President have? On my career today, in 2023, none. He wants me to stay in Paris, my objective is to stay. We’re on the same wavelength,” Mbappe told reporters ahead of France’s European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar on Friday.
“Am I going to leave PSG? I’ve already answered, I’ve said that my objective is to stay at PSG, that’s my only option at the moment. I’m ready to come back when pre-season resumes.”
Reuters
