Football icon Lionel Messi was briefly knocked to the ground after a fan stormed the pitch during Inter Miami CF’s friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
The incident occurred around the 88th minute at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, when several fans ran onto the field. One supporter rushed toward Messi near the center circle and grabbed him around the waist. As a security guard intervened to restrain the fan, both the supporter and Messi were pulled down in the process. The Argentine star quickly got back to his feet and appeared unharmed, walking away calmly as security regained control.
Messi had earlier scored in the 70th minute, helping Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory in the exhibition match. Santiago Morales had opened the scoring in the 16th minute. The friendly had originally been scheduled for February 13 but was postponed after Messi experienced leg discomfort during a previous exhibition game against Barcelona SC of Ecuador.
Also Read: Messi's Comeback in Doubt: Hamstring Injury Forces Puerto Rico Match Delay
The viral video of the pitch invasion once again highlighted ongoing security challenges at matches involving the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose global popularity often draws overzealous fans onto the field.Inter Miami, which began its MLS season with a 3-0 loss to LAFC, is set to face Orlando City in its next league fixture.
Recently, Messi also spoke candidly about personal regrets, revealing on a Mexican podcast that he wishes he had learned English as a child. Reflecting on missed opportunities to converse more freely with global personalities, he described feeling “half-ignorant” in certain situations and emphasized to his children the importance of education and preparation.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a two-season stint with Paris Saint-Germain, continuing a career that began when he moved from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona at the age of 13.
Also Read: Messi's Comeback in Doubt: Hamstring Injury Forces Puerto Rico Match Delay