Fan jumps onto field to hug Lionel Messi during Copa match
HOUSTON -- The big-time soccer fan who jumped onto the field during Tuesday night's Copa America match between the U.S. and Argentina is heading home to California after spending the night in jail.
A fan caught video of 17-year-old Michael Soto meeting who he calls his idol -- Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Soto says he went to the match with a plan -- one he told everyone except his father. He jumped onto the field at the start of the second half of Argentina's 4-0 win over Team USA.
Messi is considered the best soccer player in the world. Soto bowed down to him in front of a sold-out NRG crowd before running off and being arrested for trespassing. He also managed to get an autograph and two hugs from him.
"I got to meet the greatest footballer in the world. I got my shirt signed and I got to hug him. For me, that's everything," Soto told Eyewitness News just before he headed to the airport to fly home to the San Diego area.
He now faces a Class B misdemeanor charge and must return for a court setting next week.
The FOX Sports broadcast of the event did not show the interruption.
For full Copa America coverage, click here.
