Pitch invader fulfills lifelong dream of meeting Messi, outruns security for an entire minute

68,000 packed Workers' Stadium in Beijing on Thursday to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi and world champions Argentina during a friendly match against Australia. The Inter Miami attacker delivered with a stunning 20-yard strike just 79 seconds into the game, but one fan wasn't content to simply gawk in awe at Messi's magisterial ability — he had to make contact with the extraterrestrial. 

While Messi was walking over to take a corner kick, the pitch invader — wearing a Messi jersey ("I just really hope Lionel Messi gets a little percentage of the shirt sales because I've never seen so many Argentine number 10 shirts in my life," Australia coach Graham Arnold said) — sprang into action.

He hugged Messi, pointed to the crowd, sprinted to the halfway line (doing the Messi pointing to the heavens celebration), high-fived Emi Martínez, celebrated that achievement, sprinted across the edge of the opposite area, returned to the halfway line and all the way back to the original box before collapsing in total exhaustion.  

网友投稿
6月15日，北京工人体育场
一名球迷闯入赛场与梅西拥抱并绕场，引发全场欢呼齐喊“牛逼”。
该行为一度导致现场直播中断。 pic.twitter.com/T9Q2AXpQCU

— 李老师不是你老师 (@whyyoutouzhele) June 15, 2023

You'll never see anyone look happier while basically being quartered. 

The only man with better moves is Messi.

Cheat code Messi came out to play. pic.twitter.com/3CYRmCJVoG

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 15, 2023