Lionel Messi Briefly Knocked Down During Pitch Invasion in Puerto Rico

Bayamón, Puerto Rico – A friendly match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle took an unexpected turn Thursday night when Lionel Messi was briefly knocked to the ground during a pitch invasion at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. The incident occurred in the closing minutes of the game, which Inter Miami won 2-1.

Game Details and Messi’s Performance

The match, originally scheduled for February 13th but postponed due to hamstring issues for Messi , served as a warm-up for Inter Miami following their recent MLS season restart. Messi entered the game as a substitute at halftime and scored the winning penalty, securing a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami.

Pitch Invasion and the Incident with Messi

The disruption began in the 88th minute when fans breached security and ran onto the field in an attempt to reach Messi. One fan managed to reach Messi, embracing him before being tackled to the ground by a security guard – inadvertently bringing Messi down with him. Messi quickly regained his footing and was unharmed. Additional security personnel intervened to remove other fans who had entered the pitch, including one wearing a Barcelona jersey and another with an Inter Miami shirt, seeking selfies and autographs.

Other Notable Issues During the Match

The game similarly experienced an unusual start, with both teams initially appearing in clashing black kits. This created visual confusion before the issue was resolved. The Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel was sold out, with approximately 12,500 spectators in attendance, marking Messi’s first appearance in Puerto Rico.

Looking Ahead for Inter Miami

Following the friendly in Puerto Rico, Inter Miami is set to face Orlando City on Sunday.