Argentina star Lionel Messi made a surprise appearance on stage after being picked out of the audience by 'Rocky' actor and friend Nico Vázquez.

Messi back home in Argentina for World Cup qualifiersMakes surprise theatre trip in Buenos AiresCalled up on stage and addresses audienceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi took in a surprise trip to watch the Rocky play at the Lola Membrives Theater in Buenos Aires, keeping a promise to his good friend Vazquez, who is also the star of the show. Many of the 1,000-strong audience were completely unaware that Messi had joined them to watch the play until he was called up on stage, as reported by Todo Noticias. 

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The visit had been pre-planned, with security put in place for Messi. After the show ended, he was invited up on stage to speak a few words to the audience. Messi then went backstage afterwards where he was able to meet the entire cast of the show.

WHAT MESSI SAID

Messi told the audience: "It was spectacular. It's very special to me. I had promised him I would come, that I had to come. Luckily, I was able to."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi is currently back in Argentina for World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Scaloni's side are due to play Venezuela on Thursday and then face Ecuador on September 9.