The photographer’s action crossing the line just as the Argentine football star was about to take a corner kick was as unexpected as Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Alianza Lima, a result that stunned the team after losing in such fashion to the Peruvian side.

It was an unexpected moment that also surprised the other photographers positioned around Lionel Messi. The incident happened precisely as Messi walked over to take the corner kick, when one photographer crossed the line and triggered Lionel’s reaction.

Was what the photographer did appropriate?

If all photographers behaved the same way, the match itself would not be viable. Everyone would eventually be removed from their jobs for disrupting the game and a key moment like Messi’s corner kick instead of doing what they were hired to do: capture the best possible photo of the Argentine footballer and the match.

And as for Lionel what can be said? Despite the interruption to his concentration, he held his composure at first and didn’t react. But after the continued insistence, he turned his head, briefly shook the photographer’s hand, and then carried on with the play. A true GOAT, responding with diplomacy in a moment where he had every right not to be disturbed especially by someone who claims to be a professional.

Before the match, one of the most celebrated figures was well-known Peruvian commentator Pol Deportes, who received a gift from Lionel Messi. Pol Deportes has been present at major football events since rising to prominence during the Copa Libertadores final. The young commentator has fulfilled several dreams, but one remained the most important: meeting Leo Messi.

Now, the team led by Javier Mascherano will look to bounce back against Atltico Nacional in Colombia on January 31, and then against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador on February 2 to close out their South American tour.

This photographer crossed the line and now has a moment with Messi that will last a lifetime. But for some, he will also be remembered as someone who lacked professionalism who became a fan at a crucial moment of his job. Others will argue that he simply took advantage of a rare opportunity to be close to the footballer and couldn’t let it pass.

What would you have done in his place? How would you have acted?