La Liga - Messi 'punched' in Argentina
Thu, 02 Jun 21:48:00 2011
Lionel Messi has been attacked by a fan while signing autographs in Argentina according to reports in his home country.
The Barcelona star was punched in the face by a fan of Rosario Central – the city rivals of Newell's Old Boys who were Messi's first club - according to a report on local radio station LT3 AM 680 de Rosario.
Messi, who is on holiday in his home city, was enjoying lunch at a local restaurant with two friends when his young attacker shouted abuse at him.
After finishing his meal, Messi signed some autographs for waiting fans, and that is when he was reportedly punched in the face by the Rosario Central fan.
However, Messi has since played down the incident telling Ole newspaper: "They didn't even touch me, I felt nothing. It was just afterwards I heard about the commotion. Nothing really happened."
Messi had no security with him at the time and left the scene immediately without responding to the provocation.
Messi was on the books of Newell's Old Boys from a young age but moved to Barcelona aged just 11.
The diminutive star, who turns 24 later this month, was the man-of-the-match in last week's Champions League final where he helped Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
He is expected to link up with the Argentina squad next week to begin preparations for next month's Copa America.
Eurosport
Thu, 02 Jun 21:48:00 2011
Lionel Messi has been attacked by a fan while signing autographs in Argentina according to reports in his home country.
The Barcelona star was punched in the face by a fan of Rosario Central – the city rivals of Newell's Old Boys who were Messi's first club - according to a report on local radio station LT3 AM 680 de Rosario.
Messi, who is on holiday in his home city, was enjoying lunch at a local restaurant with two friends when his young attacker shouted abuse at him.
After finishing his meal, Messi signed some autographs for waiting fans, and that is when he was reportedly punched in the face by the Rosario Central fan.
However, Messi has since played down the incident telling Ole newspaper: "They didn't even touch me, I felt nothing. It was just afterwards I heard about the commotion. Nothing really happened."
Messi had no security with him at the time and left the scene immediately without responding to the provocation.
Messi was on the books of Newell's Old Boys from a young age but moved to Barcelona aged just 11.
The diminutive star, who turns 24 later this month, was the man-of-the-match in last week's Champions League final where he helped Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
He is expected to link up with the Argentina squad next week to begin preparations for next month's Copa America.
Eurosport
And from Messi's Facebook page:
Para la tranquilidad de todos aquellas personas que nos han preguntado la veracidad del accidente saliendo de un restaurante, deciros que no he recibido ningún manotazo de nadie. Estoy perfectamente bien…Me he quedado sorprendido por este revuelo que se ha ocasionado. Muchas gracias de todas formas por vuestros mensajes de interés.
For the peace of all those who have questioned the veracity of the accident leaving a restaurant, say they never received a slap to anyone. I'm perfectly fine ... I have been amazed at the fuss that was caused. Anyway thank you very much for your messages of interest.
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