One of the biggest reasons apart from his obvious talent on the pitch, people love FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is due to his humble nature. He gave another example of his humility at the weekend after Barca edged past Malaga 2-1 away from home. A fan invaded the pitch to greet the Argentinian, who responded by gifting the young boy his jersey.
Barcelona travelled to Malaga at the weekend, having struggled against the blue and whites in recent years. They were made to work hard at Camp Nou earlier this season, where the Los Boquerones had beaten the home team the previous season. At home, Malaga had managed a goalless draw in the last season to prove they are no pushovers.
On the 23rd, however, Barcelona took an early lead through Munir El Haddadi in the second minute itself. But, the home time, buoyed by a vociferous crowd, hit back through Juanpi in the 32nd minute. Both teams went into the half with a goal apiece as it looked like Malaga would cause Barca further problems.
But, 28-year-old Barca talisman had the final say when he adjusted well to hit a perfect scissors kick into the bottom corner to ensure the two Madrid clubs could not close down the league leaders.
At full time, the visitors were celebrating and an over enthusiastic fan invaded the pitch to meet the match winner, Messi. The Barca star, in turn, embraced the young boy, who then asked Messi for his jersey as the stewards closed in.
The marshals encircled Messi and carried the kid away, but Barca’s No. 10 made sure he took off his jersey and handed it over the kid before leaving the pitch. The boy was left visibly overjoyed at receiving the match jersey of, arguably, the best player in the world.
Here’s how the events unfolded:
Bro hug, Leo?
Kid: Hey Leo, can I have your jersey?
Messi: Sure. (But, look! The stewards are coming in!)
Messi: Hey wait, don’t forget to take my jersey
The kid was pictured celebrating despite being hauled away by the steward.
