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Security Guards Almost Knock Lionel Messi Over While He Is Signing Pitch Invader's Naked Back

Stadium security almost knocked Lionel Messi off his feet when they tacked a pitch invader during Argentina's 3-0 win over Jamaica in Harrison, New Jersey.

Robert Summerscales

Security Guards Almost Knock Lionel Messi Over While He Is Signing Pitch Invader's Naked Back
Security Guards Almost Knock Lionel Messi Over While He Is Signing Pitch Invader's Naked Back /

Stadium security almost knocked Lionel Messi off his feet when they tacked a pitch invader during Argentina's 3-0 win over Jamaica in Harrison, New Jersey.

A shirtless man had run onto the field and made a beeline for Messi before handing the soccer icon a pen and asking him to sign his naked back.

Messi looked startled at first but was politely granting the fan's unusual request when three stewards wearing hi-visibility vests forcefully intervened.

The pitch invader was tackled to the ground with such force that Messi almost went down with him.

Security staff pictured intervening after a pitch invader had approached Lionel Messi (center) during a game between Argentina and Jamaica in New Jersey in September 2022
Security staff pictured intervening after a pitch invader had approached Lionel Messi (center) during a game between Argentina and Jamaica in New Jersey :: IMAGO/NurPhoto/Deccio Serrano
Lionel Messi pictured (right) struggling to stay on his feet as a pitch invader is tackled by security staff nearby during Argentina's game against Jamaica in September 2022
Messi almost fell over after three security guards forcefully tackled the pitch invader :: IMAGO/Icon Sportswire/Rich Graessle

This all happened shortly after Paris Saint-Germain star Messi had scored Argentina's second goal at Red Bull Arena 86 minutes into the game.

Messi swiftly regained his composure and found the net again moments later with a low free-kick to score the 90th goal of his international career.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had earlier given Argentina the lead on 13 minutes.

Jamaica failed to register a single shot on target all night, such was Argentina's dominance.

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Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.