Lionel Messi, centre, is grasped by an unidentified woman as he leaves a restaurant in Rosario, Argentina. (AP Photo/Jose Granata,Telam)
The youngster was part of a throng wanting Messi's autograph, a witness told Argentine television. It was not clear if the punch landed or what the intent had been. Messi went on signing autographs.
"There was a crush of people waiting outside," said Pablo Moyano, who was working in the restaurant. "There were kids, reporters, photographers waiting ... and one of the kids tried to punch him. I don't know if he pulled it off. He went running afterward."
Witnesses said the suspect was dressed in the uniform of a school located a few blocks away.
Messi arrived in his home city Rosario this week and is taking a few days of vacation before practice starts next week for the Copa America - the South American championship.
