A pitch invasion happens when an unauthorized fan runs into the pitch while the game is still on.
Pitch invaders can be both hilarious and a menace at the same time, particularly for stadium security. In many cases, the culprit is just a star-struck fan who wants to touch or get a picture with their long-term idol. It’s why Messi and Ronaldo have been interrupted more times than they care to remember.
The illustrious duo is often compared for their prowess on the pitch, stats and titles won. Today we’ll look at them from a completely different angle.
They’ve been chased down quite a lot; the question is, which of these multi-ballon d'Or winners have been approached the most by pitch invaders?
Ronaldo and the invader in Lyon
Earlier in the year during Juventus’ one-nil defeat to Lyon in the Champions League last 16 at the Groupama Stadium, a pitch invader accosted Ronaldo in a bid to take a selfie.
The invader didn’t impress Ronaldo, whose team were already on the losing end of the tie before the interruption. Eventually, stewards got grips and dragged the intruder away. But not before one steward had tripped and fallen flat on his back in the attempt.
Messi gets a gift from Jimmy Jump
Jaume Marquet aka Jimmy Jump is deemed the most famous pitch invader in the world. And we can all guess how he got that reputation.
Back in 2007, when Barcelona squared up against Bayern Munich, Messi received a hat from the famous Jimmy Jump after scoring against the Bavarians.
Messi gets a hug and a kiss at the Nya Ullevi stadium
During an international friendly in February 2013 between Argentina and Sweden, a streaker, spotting Messi’s Barcelona jersey, evaded security, raced towards the Argentine and proceeded to give him a big hug and a kiss on the forehead.
The invading fan didn’t seem to want any trouble, and Messi obliged him. He was then removed from the pitch by stewards.
Ronaldo’s attack foiled in a major final
During the Champions League final in 2018 between Real Madrid and Liverpool, a daring pitch invader attempted to do what the Liverpool defence had struggled to do all night – stop Ronaldo.
The invader never got close to Ronaldo but had done enough to necessitate an interruption and foil Ronaldo’s charge towards the Liverpool goal. The Sporting CP Academy grad wasn't too pleased.
Ronaldo gets mobbed at Old Trafford
In October 2018 when Manchester United welcomed Juventus to Old Trafford for a Champions League group stage encounter, the man United fans were itching to see was Ronaldo.
One fan took his obsession for the Portuguese a step further. He evaded stewards and raced to the Juve #7 at full-time. He didn’t get very far. Lucky for him Ronaldo was willing to oblige.
Selfie-chasing invader gets in trouble with La Liga over Messi
Even with fans not allowed in stadiums due to coronavirus, one crazy pitch invader still found his way to disrupt proceedings in Barca’s 4-0 win against Mallorca.
The pitch invader threw caution to the wind as he hobbled towards Messi for a selfie. He did manage to get one with Jordi Alba, but security stopped him before he could reach the Ballon d’Or holder. La Liga has threatened to take legal action against the streaker.
Ronaldo gets mobbed by two pitch invader in a game, plus a disgusting kiss
During a game between Portugal and Netherlands in March 2018, a pitch invader went a step farther than his contemporaries. As Portugal laboured to keep pace with the Orange's pace and panache, a pitch invader ran onto the field and planted a kiss on Ronaldo. CR7 simply wiped his face in utter disgust.
Not long after, another supporter donning the Real Madrid jersey burst through and hugged Ronaldo.
Messi leaves a streaker in tears
Argentina came out guns blazing in a 2016 Copa America group game against Panama. After hitting five past their opponents with Messi notching a treble, a pitch invader in a Barca shirt sought to lay hands on Messi.
The streaker’s attempt was futile, but Sergio Aguero intervened in the melee. And then, the man he sought, Messi arrived to hug the young pitch invader. It was enough to get the emotions flooding. The young man was seen sobbing as he was led away.
Pitch invader tears up after selfie with Cristiano
Last November, a pitch invader who approached Ronaldo was left in tears after the Portugal skipper agreed to take a selfie with him.
The fan, dressed in a Juve jersey, broke through the fences to reach Ronaldo in Portugal’s 6-0 hammering of Lithuania in the Euro 2020 qualifier.
Massive Messi handshake
While Germany flexed muscles with Argentina in an international friendly in 2012 at the Commerzbank Arena, a pitch invader saw it as an opportunity to finally meet and shake hands with his idol.
Perhaps the streaker couldn’t believe his luck as he actually got to shake hands with the Argentina record scorer. The invader was seen celebrating his feat as stewards led him away.
Who edges out?
Besides the ones listed here, there are numerous incidents where fans went crazy and decided to invade the pitch just to get a closer glimpse or touch either of the iconic pair.
But Messi wins the battle here. The Blaugrana skipper once had his boots cleaned by a pitch invader.
Messi even got an unwanted gift from the infamous Jimmy Jump and even with the lockdown, a streaker broke lockdown rules just to take a selfie with the 33-year-old.
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