Watch: Messi saved by security as pitch invader comes charging [video]

If the last two seasons in South African soccer have shown something, it’s definitely the fact that the spectators are not shy of stepping over the whitewash onto the field, and in Wednesday’s friendly between Mamelodi Sundowns and Barcelona, a fan charged for the pitch, looking to get up close and personal with the main star attraction, Lionel Messi.

The game produced the expected fireworks on the field, ending 3-1 in favour of the visiting Catalan giants in front of a capacity crowd at FNB Stadium.

Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde fielded a separate team in either half, with the Argentine superstar only being introduced with less than 20 minutes to go, despite deafening chants around the stands calling for his inclusion.

While warming up near the dug-out, a fan clad in the Spanish side’s home jersey simply could not contain his excitement, as he saw fit to grab a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab a quick hug from the megastar.

However, it was not to be, as he was outnumbered by security personnel who thwarted his attempts at getting up close and personal with one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Watch: Pitch invader tries to get close to Messi

Oh no! A fan had to be taken off the field after he tried to get his hands on Messi. ????????‍♂️pic.twitter.com/Pu1cV1Gtbv

— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) May 16, 2018

Another one bites the dust

He was not the only pitch invader on the day, as another spectator suffered instant humiliation in the first half, falling face first on the grass while attempting his own lap of dishonour on the pitch.

#sundownsvsbarca He rqn onto the pitch – Now he is crying – literally pic.twitter.com/CEv5oFyZ0q

— Dr. Jacques Grobbelaar (@Jacques_SMSA) May 16, 2018

Fortunately, the reasons behind last night’s pitch invasions were less sinister than what we’ve become accustomed to lately, most recently the disgraceful scenes at Moses Mabhida Stadium.