Lionel Messi embraces crying fan at Argentina's training camp after he was dragged away by security

The autograph hunter was dragged away by an overzealous security guard, until Messi stepped in

Lionel Messi made one boy's dreams come true on Wednesday.

The autograph hunter was dragged away by an overzealous security guard as he approached the Barcelona and Argentina star at a hotel in Montevideo.

But Messi stepped in and called the boy back, giving him a hug and posing for photographs.

The 30-year-old had touched down in the Uruguayan capital this week ahead of his nation's crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday night.

Argentina currently sit in fifth place in the South American qualifying section, having won just six of their 14 games so far.

The boy was called back... (AFP/Getty Images)

...and embraced by Messi (AFP/Getty Images)

If they finish the campaign in that position, they will face a play-off against a team from Oceania.

A win on Friday, however, could see them leapfrog Uruguay, Colombia and Chile and into second place.