An overly dedicated fan who wanted footballer Lionel Messi’s autograph – so much that he took to the pitch during a recent game on Mallorca home turf – will be facing stiff punishment.

The young pitch invader scaled a two-metre fence, then ran after the 32-year-old Argentinian during the second half of the match between Real Mallorca and FC Barcelona on Saturday night, 13 June, at Mallorca Estadi, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Estadio Son Moix security soon caught the youngster before escorting him off.

La Liga has put strict protocols in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the fan’s actions are considered a “criminal act”, according to current guidelines.

The Spanish footballing body released a statement on Sunday, 14 June, which read: “La Liga will file the appropriate legal action … La Liga would also like to express its absolute condemnation of this kind of behaviour, which puts in risk the health of others and the integrity of our competition.”

The invader – an unnamed French national resident in Mallorca – seems unperturbed by his predicament, and even called it a “great experience”.

The Catalan squad scored an easy victory 4-0 over the home side after the interruption.

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