Fan Tackles Lionel Messi in Stunning Security Breach During Puerto Rico Match
Supporters worldwide gather to witness Lionel Messi in action, and field invasions have become routine occurrences during his appearances. While some manage to get close enough for a photo with the Inter Miami icon, these incidents typically don't raise major concerns. Thursday proved to be an exception, as Messi was dramatically brought down by a combination of an overeager supporter and security personnel.
Multiple enthusiastic fans rushed toward Messi during the 88th minute of Inter Miami's exhibition match in Puerto Rico, with one supporter colliding with the Argentine as security personnel flooded the field. Messi remained uninjured, as did the fans, and play continued shortly thereafter.
This incident contrasted sharply with the typically amicable interactions Messi has with pitch invaders, many of whom have experienced cooperation from the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, including photo opportunities, autographs, or brief conversations.
Whats happening here man, a random fan snatches another fans phone and runs away
And then another fan takes Messi down
😭😭😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/kYkspzpcN7
Prior to the incident, Messi had converted a decisive penalty to secure a 2–1 victory over Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, who served as Miami's opponents at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel due to the absence of suitable Puerto Rican competition.
The field invasion mayhem wasn't the only complication during the match. Kickoff was postponed by approximately one hour because of uniform conflicts, with both squads ultimately wearing nearly identical black kits that created viewing challenges for spectators and potentially the players themselves.
Messi, along with other prominent Miami players including starting goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul, began the match as substitutes since the Herons are already competing in the MLS campaign. The Puerto Rico fixture was originally scheduled for February 13, but a minor injury to Messi necessitated rescheduling to Thursday.
For Miami, this followed a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Son Heung-min's LAFC in their MLS season opener and a notable attendance decline, after their season debut saw them struggle before more than 75,000 spectators, setting an MLS opening match attendance record.
Inter Miami Seeking MLS Bounceback
Inter Miami Seeking MLS Bounceback
The exhibition triumph in Puerto Rico occurred less than 72 hours before Miami attempts to earn its inaugural MLS point of the season and establish momentum following their opening match struggles.
Javier Mascherano will guide his squad on a brief journey to Orlando this Sunday, where the Herons will meet state rivals Orlando City SC, who suffered a 2–1 loss to Red Bull New York during the MLS opening weekend.
With both teams pursuing their first points and victories of the MLS regular season, the fixture also represents a rivalry-focused weekend alongside the Canadian Derby featuring Vancouver Whitecaps versus Toronto FC.
For MLS, officials hope that Messi, regional rivalries and additional factors can generate improved television ratings following the opening weekend, which showed substantial growth compared to previous years—mainly because MLS became accessible to all Apple TV subscribers for the first time.
After the Orlando encounter, Miami will prepare for a March 7 meeting with D.C. United, before beginning their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with the round of 16 opening leg against Nashville SC on March 12