Argentina trained in front of thousands of fans and press at Belo Horizonte's Estadio Independencia, where Ronaldinho regularly turns out for Atletico Mineiro.

 

After some light running, the Albiceleste squad³ were divided into small groups for games of football-tennis in a low-key session which finished amid chaos⁴ as over a dozen supporters climbed over the fences to invade the pitch and ran in search of a handshake or a hug from their heroes.

 

Most headed in Messi's direction and security guards were overwhelmed in their attempts to halt the fans as the practice was quickly brought to an abrupt⁵ end.

 

But the Argentine was initially⁶ fooled by the Ronaldinho double.

 

Robinson Oliveira, who works as a professional lookalike（山寨明星脸） of the Brazilian forward, told Goal: "When he saw me he was shocked because he thought I was the real Ronaldinho and he told me that I didn't need to run on the pitch to see him.

 

"He said: 'What are you doing running on here to see me?' When he held my hand, I went down on my knees [and bowed]. It was so emotional."

 

He added: "I didn't plan this. I just thought to myself that I have to hold his hand because this is the only opportunity I will have to see him."

 

The lookalike, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the former Barca hero, ended up with a bloodied⁷ hand after scaling the fence in his adventure to meet Messi, but said: "It was worth it."

 

Asked which of the two players he prefers, he replied: "Ronaldinho, of course!"

 

Argentina and Messi kick off their World Cup campaign against Bosnia at the Maracana on Sunday.

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