The action of the cameraman, who crossed the line just as the Argentinian soccer star was about to take a corner kick, was as unexpected as Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima, an outcome that surprised a team that had lost in such a way to the Peruvian side.
It was an unexpected moment and even the other photographers around Lionel Messi were surprised. The incident occurred at the exact moment Messi walked up to take a corner kick. At that moment, a cameraman crossed the line, causing a reaction from Lionel.
Were the photographer’s actions appropriate?
If all camera operators behaved the same way, the match itself would not be possible. They all end up being removed from their jobs for not doing their hired job of taking the best pictures of the match with Argentine soccer players, for interfering with the match, and for missing important moments like Messi’s corner kick.
And what can we say about Lionel? Despite losing his concentration, he initially remained calm and did not react. But after some persistent insistence, he turned around, briefly shook hands with the cameraman, and then continued with his play. A real Goat who responded with diplomacy, especially in this moment when he has the right not to be interfered with by someone who claims to be a professional.
Before the match, one of the most famous people was the famous Peruvian commentator Pol Deportes, who received a gift from Lionel Messi. Pol Deportes has been present at major soccer events since gaining attention in the Copa Libertadores final. The young commentator has fulfilled several dreams, the most important of which was to meet Leo Messi.
Javier Mascherano’s side are currently scheduled to play Atlótico Nacional in Colombia on January 31st, and then conclude their South American tour with a match against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador on February 2nd.
This photographer crossed the line and had a moment with Messi that will last a lifetime. But to some, he will also be remembered as someone who lacked professionalism and became a fan at key moments in the job. Others would argue that he simply took advantage of a rare opportunity to be able to get close to football players and could not pass it up.
What would you have done in his place? How would you have acted?
