In pics | Copa America: When an Argentina fan bowed down to Messi on pitch

An enthusiastic fan ran on to the pitch and managed to get within five feet of Barcelona star Lionel Messi during Argentina’s Copa America semifinal match against United States on Tuesday.

An enthusiastic fan ran on to the pitch and managed to get within five feet of Barcelona star Lionel Messi during Argentina’s Copa America semifinal match against United States on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi interacts with a fan who ran onto the field during a 2016 Copa America Centenario semifinal match between Argentina and the United States at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (AFP Photo)

The fan, who was sporting the familiar Argentinian blue and white-striped jersey, ran towards Messi after the final whistle. The five-time Player of the Year was seen signing the spectator’s jersey with an amused look on his face, after the fan bowed down to touch the footballer’s feet before hugging him.

Read | Copa America semis: Messi becomes Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer

(AFP Photo)

(AFP Photo)

(AFP Photo)

(AFP Photo)

Another bare-chested male fan too ran onto the field as the second half was about to start, but he was tackled by security before being escorted off the pitch.

A fan is escorted by security after running onto the field prior to the start of the second half of a 2016 Copa America Centenario semifinal match. (AFP Photo)

A fan is tackled by security after a 2016 Copa America Centenario semifinal match between Argentina and the United States. (AFP Photo)

The striker assisted two goals and scored one as Argentina defeated US 4-0 in Copa America semifinal on Tuesday night, sealing a final showdown with the winner of Chile vs Colombia.

Read | US guilty of being ‘too nice’, says coach after Argentina rout in Copa