Opposing Fan Spit at Lionel Messi in Tokyo Airport
By Kyle Koster
Lionel Messi scored a goal Sunday in Barcelona’s 3-0 Club World Cup final win over River Plate. His exploits were not appreciated by opposing fans. The four-time Ballon d’Or winner was confronted by several disappointed River Plate supporters at the Tokyo airport, one of whom reportedly decided to show it by spitting at him. The two were separated by manager Luis Enrique and teammate Javier Mascherano before things escalated.
"“I didn’t see it, but I’ve been told about it,” River coach Marcelo Gallardo told Argentine newspaper Ole. “I want to condemn this behaviour, behaviour that is out of place. You need to be respectful. He’s a player who was born in our country, is the best in the world and plays for our national team. “Give him the respect he deserves. I don’t agree with this behaviour at all.” River president D’Onofrio added on Fox Sports: “There’s always some idiot, to put it mildly."
There’s something comforting in the knowledge that awful fans exist in every corner of the globe. One county’s bathroom fight is another’s airport loogie. Nice to know there’s a common thread fans share and can bond over — even if it’s being terrible.