03/06/2011 15:02
Rival fan throws punch at Messi in Argentina
A rival fan has thrown a punch at Lionel Messi as the Barcelona star was signing autographs and meeting with fans in his home town in Argentina, according to witnesses.
The star forward played down the incident, which took place in the town of Rosario some 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Buenos Aires, telling local media he didn't feel a thing and only found out about the punch later.
Witnesses said the assailant was among a group of young people who had gathered to get autographs and that he pulled a hood over his head and ran away after the attack, AFP reported.
Local residents said he was likely a fan of local club Rosario Central, the arch rivals of Newell's Old Boys, a team Messi, 23, once played for.