Lionel Messi: Argentina Star Ambushed Twice by Pitch Invaders During Friendly Against Jamaica

• Lionel Messi was once again accosted by passionate fans who wanted to get a moment with the global icon
• The cases of pitch invasion have become rampant with the World Cup now less than two months away
• In one incident, Messi appeared shocked as security officials quickly swung into action to send a pitch invader away

Lionel Messi had to endure another difficult night for being a popular figure at the Red Bull Arena in the United States of America.

Messi was bombarded at least three times by fans who invaded the pitch looking to get either a hug, an autograph or a picture with arguably the greatest player ever.

The Argentina national team captain was introduced in the second half of a friendly clash against Jamaica. It was Argentina's last warm-up game before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

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The Lionel Scaloni side ended up winning 3-0, with Messi grabbing a three-minute brace. The goals moved him to second place in the all-time top international goal scorers list.

But the decent result was punctuated with fears of insecurity as fans easily breached the stewards in charge. In one incident, a shirtless fan reached Messi and handed him a pen to sign an autograph on his back.

Messi appeared shaken but agreed to sign the autograph nonetheless. He, however, didn't finish as the stewards pounced on the fan and carried him away. In as much as it can be argued that most of the pitch invaders usually bear no ill intentions towards the players, the security of the players will be under intense scrutiny going forward.

Fan invades pitch, kneels before Lionel Messi and gives him a hug

It was only last week that Messi was similarly accosted by another pitch invader. Sports Brief had reported that a fan who recently attended Argentina's international friendly against Honduras at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami had more than one intention.

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Apart from watching Lionel Messi lead his side as the World Cup draws closer, the fan was hell-bent on getting an autograph from the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. And perhaps a hug.

Boy, did he come prepared! The fan managed to evade the attention of the stewards before making his way to Messi, who stood there motionless. The fan came ready with his pen and handed it to Messi, who immediately agreed to his request.