Fan Leaps Into Tunnel To Meet Lionel Messi, Gets Tackled By Security Guard

Some fans will clearly do whatever it takes to meet their favorite sports stars.

Fan Leaps Into Tunnel To Meet Lionel Messi, Gets Tackled By Security Guard

One such eager fan went overboard when he attempted to meet star forward Lionel Messi by jumping into the tunnel at Aviva Stadium in Dublin during Barcelona’s friendly game against Celtic over the weekend.

The video of the incident shows the man briefly touch the Barcelona captain after jumping down right in front of him, before being viciously tackled by a running security guard.

The video was taken from a high angle, so neither the fan’s nor Messi’s faces can be clearly seen, although judging from the fact that the Argentine player momentarily stood still and put his hands out in front of him, it seems clear that he was very surprised by the fan’s actions, as anyone would have been.

Barcelona defeated Celtic 3-1 on Saturday.

Barcelona came to Dublin without Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Claudio Bravo and Jordi Alba, who aren’t back in training until tomorrow, while Neymar is preparing for the Olympics in Brazil.

Messi, 29, recently stated that he wanted to retire from international soccer following Argentina’s defeat in penalties to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in June, the fourth tournament final he has lost with his country. However, speculation has arisen that the forward could return for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and that his decision to retire was simply an announcement he made out of frustration.

Messi and his father were also recently investigated for tax fraud, though it was said he was likely to avoid the corresponding prison sentence.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 26: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on against Chile during the Copa America Centenario Championship match at MetLife Stadium on June 26, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)