Lionel Messi makes surprise appearance at 'Rocky' theatre play in Buenos Aires as Argentina star is called up on stage by lead actor and friend Nico Vazquez

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. 

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.

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."

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.