A simple Lionel Messi theatre trip ended up as one big love-in when one of the play’s actors dragged him up onstage for a huge ovation at the show’s finale.
The Barcelona star was in his native Argentina catching a performance of musical comedy El Otro Lado de la Cama – or The Other Side of the Bed, for you English speakers – which stars his friend Nicolás Vázquez.
In what was apparently a surprise visit, Vázquez spots Messi in the audience at the end and invites him up to enjoy the rapturous acclaim of his fellow punters.
Messi even came backstage afterwards to pose for photos, a favour which surely leaves the rest of the cast members in debt to Vázquez.
Judging by the spate of excited tweets, photos and video clips, they had a night they’ll never forget:
Muy emocionados anoche con #Messi. Inolvidable para todos! Mereces todo Leo! #ElOtroLadoDeLaCama @ElOtroLadoOk pic.twitter.com/jYP0pmS4JH
— Nicolas Vazquez (@vazqueznico) March 27, 2016
Very exciting last night with Messi. Unforgettable for all! You deserve it all, Leo!
Inolvidable momento! #Messi en #ElOtroLadoDeLaCama Lo que te quiero enano! Pura humildad! @ElOtroLadoOk pic.twitter.com/seaUo2ae2G
— Nicolas Vazquez (@vazqueznico) March 27, 2016
Unforgettable moment! Messi in The Other Side of the Bed! I love this little guy! Pure humility!
La noche de teatro de #LeoMessi: fue a ver a @vazqueznico y revolucionó calle Corrientes https://t.co/RVu8YGnavb pic.twitter.com/GOEgIRNGCU
— RatingCero.com (@ratingcero) March 27, 2016
A night at the theatre for Leo Messi: he went to see Nicolás Vázquez and he revolutionised Corrientes Street.
Humildad del mejor del mundo #LeoMessi en el escenario de @ElOtroLadoOk tras 2 horas de risa Gracias @vazqueznico ! pic.twitter.com/m5TqbxbQZ4
— Faroni Javier (@faronijavier) March 27, 2016
The humility of the best in the world Leo Messi onstage at The Other Side of the Bed after two hours of laughter.
Leo fue al teatro a ver #ElOtroLadoDeLaCama donde actua su amigo @vazqueznico https://t.co/RYGGYo0ezv
— Messimania Perú (@messimania_peru) March 27, 2016
Leo went to the theatre to see The Other Side of the Bed where his friend Nicolás Vázquez was acting.
La sorpresa de #Messi a su amigo @vazqueznico en el teatro… https://t.co/ucQPlj9nUo
— Cholo Sottile (@marcelosottile) March 27, 2016
Lionel Messi surprises his friend Nicolás Vázquez at the theatre.
Read more: espnfc.co.uk