Lionel Messi: Argentina star had neck grabbed by pitch invader after Ecuador game | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was in the starting lineup as Argentina drew with Ecuador in their World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday evening.

The Argentine played the full 90 minutes as the two sides drew 1-1.

Julian Alvarez’s 24th minute goal looked to have given Argentina a narrow victory.

But Enner Valencia’s leveller in the third minute of stoppage-time ensured both sides shared the spoils.

Following the final whistle, Messi was involved in an exchange with a pitch invader.

Messi, being one of the greatest players ever, has admirers from all over the globe.

And an Ecuador fan couldn’t contain themselves as they sprinted on to the pitch after the game to get a selfie with Messi.

The supporter, though, wasn’t exactly gentle as they grabbed Messi by the neck.

The 34-year-old was visibly uncomfortable. He did not look happy at all.

The fan was then caught by security and subsequently ushered away. The supporter has since posted a video of their point of view and you can watch it below…

The video is attracting attention on Twitter and you can view some reaction from fans below…

Fortunately the fan was caught by security seconds later and no damage was done.

Messi appeared to be fine but he certainly wouldn’t have appreciated the fan’s actions.

Despite the draw, both sides have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar.

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Ecuador have been placed in Pot 4 and a tough group awaits them. Argentina, meanwhile, are in Pot 1 and are one of the favourites.

They will find out their group stage opponents when the draw is made on Friday in Doha.

It seems almost certain that the World Cup in Qatar is Messi’s last chance to win international football’s biggest trophy.

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