Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi, inadvertently caused a ruckus on Lincoln Road as dozens of fans flocked around the soccer legend during his visit to an Adidas Store. Footage from the occurrence has gone viral online, with fans commenting on the Argentine’s fame across the world.
Messi mania has gripped Miami ever since the 35-year-old landed on American soil. And his trip to the Atheltic goods store perfectly sums up the city’s adoration for the player.
The incident in focus happened on July 28, as the World Cup winner visited an Adidas Store on South Beach with his family. The forward’s loyal legion of supporters somehow got word of his visit, and they quickly gathered outside the store in numbers.
OMG! See the crowd outside an Adidas store as Messi comes out. 😳 pic.twitter.com/vgG9bwlrld
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) July 28, 2023
Clips from the incident display Messi and his family stepping out of the store, only to be met by a mob of chanting fans. The Argentine’s three children were first to exit the store, followed by his wife.
The man himself followed suit, but he was quickly surrounded by camera-equipped fans attempting to click pictures. The sheer volume of people made it rather difficult for the family to access their vehicle. Fortunately, they were able to exit the scene without much of a hold-up.
A supporter present on the scene commented on the experience, “Very, very special. I sent the video to my family, all my family was so excited, ‘Oh, really? You thought you see Messi?’
Another fan stated, “It was nice, was nice, it was very emotional.” Users online were pleased to see the fanfare around Messi. However, some expressed their concerns over the lack of security assigned to the player.
Fans cast their worries over a lack of protection for Lionel Messi
After the clip went viral, fans online were quick to comment on Messi’s lackluster security. The Adidas store gathering isn’t an isolated incident, as the player was also mobbed during a visit to a grocery store. All of this and more have led to worries over the forward’s safety in Miami.
He needs so much more security, you’re in America now my autistic brother, do a better job at keeping the family safe dumbass https://t.co/mqarpbJDD2
— Professional Josep Stan ✴️ (@G4N35HHH_XO) July 29, 2023
Where the hell is the Adidas store security to protect Messi and his family? Appears Antonela jumps to the driver’s seat from the back, locks the door because Messi couldn’t get into the driver’s side.
Crazy scene at Adidas store.
pic.twitter.com/9y2VCRO7cS— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) July 29, 2023
Some users even questioned whether the authorities underestimated the fanfare around the former Barca man. Others called for a bit more initiative on Messi’s part and urged him to get additional security. Hopefully, the MLS star will pay attention to these suggestions in the future.