While Inter Miami were playing in Puerto Rico, supporters rushed onto the field looking for a chance to get close to Lionel Messi, but one of the supporters got too close and clung to the Argentine superstar.
A fan who jumps onto the field to greet Lionel Messi is detained by security (Image: Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi was knocked to the ground in a rugby tackle after an overzealous pitch intruder grabbed the superstar during an Inter Miami match. The World Cup winner had a fan’s arm around him during Thursday night’s friendly, was unable to stand up and was tackled by a security guard.
Inter Miami’s match against Independiente del Valle at Estadio Juan Ramon Lebriel in Bayamon, Puerto Rico was interrupted in the 89th minute after several fans rushed onto the field. Messi autographed one fan’s shirt, and another fan took a selfie with him.
But the shirtless pitch intruder, who had already collapsed but evaded capture, ran up to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star and clung to him. A security guard in charge of cleaning the field pulled the man to the ground and he fell, taking Messi with him.
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The MLS superstar luckily escaped unscathed and quickly got back on his feet. Eventually, the match continued after a few minutes of extra time.
Messi, who came on as a substitute, scored a penalty in the 43rd minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 victory over their Ecuadorian opponents.
The invasion wasn’t the first drama of the night after kickoff was reportedly delayed a full hour. Independiente del Valle and Miami ended up wearing predominantly black uniforms, which is said to have made it difficult to tell the teams apart due to uniform clashes.
The friendly took place a few days after Inter Miami’s MLS opener. Messi’s team lost to LAFC last weekend, but will be back in action on Sunday against Florida rival Orlando City.
A child is detained by security after jumping onto the field to greet Lionel Messi (Image: Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
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The game was originally scheduled to be held during the preseason. The match scheduled for February 13th was canceled because main player Messi felt discomfort in his hamstring.
“Hello everyone. I wanted to send this message to the people of Puerto Rico and to all those who take part in training sessions and matches,” Messi said in a video before the match was postponed.
“To be honest, in my last game in Ecuador, I pulled a muscle and had to leave the field early. Therefore, in cooperation with the organization and Inter Miami, it was decided to suspend this game.
“I hope the program is rescheduled and we can meet again. Please come see us soon. Sending you all a hug and thank you for the love you always give. I hope we can do that in the future, good luck.”
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