18-Year-Old Fan Arrested for Hugging Lionel Messi Released, Expresses Discomfort with Detention
On June 15, 2023, during a match between the Argentine men’s football team and the Australian national team in the Beijing Invitational Tournament, an 18-year-old Chinese fan broke into the Beijing Workers’ Stadium and hugged football superstar Lionel Messi. The fan, identified as Di Mou, was subsequently arrested but has now been released.
According to the latest news reported by Epoch Times reporter Xiao Lusheng, Di Mou was released on June 21. In an interview with the well-known sports platform “Live Bar” on June 23, Di Mou expressed his discomfort with the detention, stating that the feeling was too uncomfortable. He also mentioned that he did not want to live stream the incident and intends to be a low-key person in the future. Di Mou apologized to “China Hongqiao,” the organizer of the Argentine China Tour event, for causing damage to their reputation. However, due to his lack of financial resources, he could not provide any substantive compensation.
Di Mou, a big fan of Messi, explained that he had never experienced such a big scene before and was extremely excited at the time. During the match, he jumped out of the auditorium, broke into the stadium, hugged Messi, and even high-fived Argentina’s goalkeeper Martinez. Di Mou recalled that Messi had instructed the security personnel not to embarrass him.
The incident quickly gained popularity on the internet in mainland China, with CNN analyzing that Di Mou’s boldness in rushing through the security line has become a symbol of “freedom” and “youthful vitality” in many people’s minds. However, Di Mou was eventually arrested by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities. The Beijing Chaoyang Public Security Bureau announced on June 16 that Di Mou had been administratively detained and ordered him not to enter stadiums to watch similar games for the next 12 months.
The timing of Messi’s visit to Beijing is noteworthy, as it coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 70th birthday. The “China Project” website reported that Xi’s love for football is well known, and Messi’s participation in the competition was seen as a manifestation of the CCP’s officialdom’s “favorite” culture. Current affairs commentator Li Linyi analyzed that arranging for the Argentine football team to visit China and play matches around Xi’s birthday was a “birthday gift” to Xi from the officials of the Chinese Communist Party’s sports system. The decision not to arrange a match for the Chinese team was likely to avoid any potential embarrassment if the Argentine team were to win by a large margin.
Di Mou’s release has sparked discussions about the incident and the CCP’s handling of it. The fan’s actions have been seen as a symbol of freedom and youthful spirit, while others question the CCP’s response and the restrictions placed on Di Mou’s future attendance at games.
Responsible editor: Lin Congwen
What steps are the Beijing Invitational Tournament organizers taking to prevent future security breaches and ensure the safety of players and spectators
That he had always dreamed of meeting his idol and getting a chance to express his admiration. He admitted that he may have crossed a line by trespassing onto the pitch and hugging Messi without his consent, but he claimed that his intentions were pure and driven by his love for the sport and the player.
The incident garnered widespread attention on social media, with many praising Di Mou’s bravery and passion for football. However, others criticized him for breaching security protocols and potentially endangering the safety of the players and the crowd.
Following his release, Di Mou has been advised by his family and friends to reflect on his actions and learn from the experience. He has stated that he fully understands the consequences of his actions and the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Moving forward, Di Mou plans to keep a low profile and focus on his studies, hoping to contribute positively to society.
As for Lionel Messi, he has not publicly commented on the incident. It is unclear whether he has any plans to take legal action against Di Mou or if he intends to address the situation privately.
The Beijing Invitational Tournament organizers have expressed their concern over the security breach and are working to review their protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. They have also expressed their gratitude to the authorities for handling the situation promptly and ensuring everyone’s safety.
While this incident has caused some controversy, it also highlights the intense passion and adoration that fans have for their favorite athletes. It serves as a reminder of the impact that sports can have on individuals and the lengths some people are willing to go to show their support.
