(Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty)
To be Lionel Messi is to be semi-regularly bombarded by fans, whether during warm-ups, after the final whistle, or right in the middle of a game.
Messi typically handles these pitch invaders with grace: He'll give them a hug or a high five. He'll pose for a selfie.
Last week in Dublin, after a friendly between Barcelona and Celtic, a fan jumped from the stands as Messi made his way from the field through the tunnel. This time, Messi's bodyguard hurdled himself at the fan and made a truly excellent open-field tackle.
Watch for yourself:
Lionel Messi’s security guard is on point. 🚫👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ehXbE7h1Zk— FourFourTweet (@FourFourTweet) August 3, 2016
Note the force and technique on display here. This is the sort of correct tackling they teach American children in youth football. The ability to recognize the fan and spring into action is also impressive. In another life, the bodyguard would be a decent linebacker.
But watch the video a second time and you'll see Messi — with his bleach-blond hair — again reach out for a high five.
Most people, it's safe to say, would not instinctively extend their hand in friendship to someone who has just jumped down practically on top of them. But then, Lionel Messi is not most people.
No comments:
Post a Comment