Messi Unharmed After Alledged Assualt

Barcelona star Lionel Messi had a punch thrown at him by a school-age assailant on Thursday as he was leaving a restaurant in his native city of Rosario, Argentina. He was not reported injured. A witness told the TV channels America and Todo Noticias that the assailant was among a throng of people looking for autographs. It was not clear if the punch had landed, or the intention. Messi arrived in Rosario, about 500 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, this week and is taking a few days of vacation before practice starts next week for the Copa America – the South American championship.

Messi began his youth career with Newell’s Old Boys, Rosario Central’s fiercest local rivals, which explains why the kid felt the need to declare his support (I guess he didn’t want anyone thinking he was a Real Madrid fan). Given all the witnesses to the incident, I’m sure there will be more on this to come.

However, Messi himself has stated to Ole and on his Facebook:
“About a supposed accident when leaving a restaurant, I just want to say I didn’t get any punch of anyone. I’m perfectly fine. They didn’t even touch me, I felt nothing. It was just afterwards I heard about the commotion. Nothing really happened. I’m surprised about all the commotion it has caused. Nonetheless thanks for your messages and your interest.”