Copa America: Lionel Messi targeted with dangerous green laser pen

Lionel Messi didn’t only have his Colombian opponents to contend with during the Copa America quarter-final on Saturday.

The Argentina star was targeted with a green laser pen being shone in his face by a member of the crowd.

Striking pictures show how the Barcelona forward was followed around the stadium by the green light, in a match his country eventually won on penalties.

Carlos Tevez score the winning spot kick, with Messi converting the opening penalty in a 5-4 shoot-out win after the match ended goalless after extra time.

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The use of laser pens is an issue Messi and other players have had to deal with sporadically throughout their careers.

Stadium security staff are responsible for checking what fans are carrying into grounds, but a small item like a laser pen is easy to miss.

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Argentina face Brazil’s conquerors Paraguay in the semi-finals in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UAE time.

Chile face Peru 24 hours earlier in the other semi-final.