Alan Pulido: Kidnapped footballer rescued from armed gunmen in midnight operation

An international footballer kidnapped by a group of armed masked man has been rescued, authorities have said.

Alan Pulido, 25, was abducted in Mexico's north-east border state of Tamaulipas after leaving a party with his girlfriend, who was not taken.

Local media reported that Mexico striker Pulido, who plays for Greek champions Olympiakos, was taken by force by six masked men after surrounding his car with trucks.

Mexico's security forces said in a statement that Pulido was rescued shortly before midnight last night.

Images on social media showed the footballer with what appeared to be an injured hand.

The statement added that Pulido is being medically assessed today.

Authorities have given no further details on the kidnapping or any motive.