Lionel Messi was briefly tackled to the ground by a pitch invader and a security guard during a midweek friendly in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on Thursday evening. The Inter Miami star had entered the match at half-time and scored a penalty in a 2-1 win over Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.
The friendly was a make-up date for a match originally scheduled for 13 February, which was postponed after Messi felt discomfort in his hamstring during a preceding exhibition. Inter Miami cited coordination with the event promoter and the government of Puerto Rico in rescheduling the fixture for 26 February, just five days after the MLS season opener.
Kickoff was delayed by an hour due to uniform issues, with both teams forced to wear predominantly black kits, making players difficult to distinguish from a distance. The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 12,500 at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel.
In the 88th minute, fans rushed onto the pitch from behind Miami's goal. One pitch invader ran past Rodrigo De Paul towards Messi, and a security worker initially directed the fan away. Two more young fans followed, asking for selfies and autographs. The initial invader, now shirtless, doubled back and wrapped his arms around Messi's waist. The security guard tackled the fan to the ground, taking Messi down with him in the centre circle. Messi rose quickly, apparently unharmed.
None of Messi's Miami teammates intervened, but an opposing player, Paraguayan striker Carlos González, approached and put an arm around Messi as security dealt with further pitch incursions. Inter Miami resume MLS action on Sunday away to Orlando City, less than 72 hours after the friendly.
