Inter Miami ended their preseason tour with a 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle on Thursday night in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Goals from Santi Morales and Lionel Messi clinched the victory, with fans celebrating after weeks of anticipation. However, the match did not go without controversy, as there was an uproar from the stands.
Messi, who played 45 minutes in the postponed match after dealing with an injury earlier this month, was the biggest player.
Supporters packed the stadium, eager to see Argentina’s icon in person. However, the night ended as multiple fans rushed onto the pitch towards the end of the game, raising new questions about security.
One particular incident drew widespread attention after video footage circulated online showing fans approaching Messi before security intervened.
Amid the chaos as multiple spectators storm the field, one fan knocks down Lionel Messi
As the security guard attempted to tackle the intruder, the contact appeared to send Messi tumbling to the ground in the confusion.
Although the situation did not get any worse and Messi appeared unharmed, the moment quickly sparked debate on social media about whether proper precautions had been taken.
Messi invading the pitch is nothing new. Since joining Inter Miami, the World Cup champion has often been accosted by enthusiastic supporters during matches around the world.
But many fans were surprised by how things unfolded on Thursday – especially given the absence of a familiar figure often seen in the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s shadow.
Where was his Messi bodyguard, Yasin Chouko?
Messi’s long-time personal bodyguard, Yasin Chouko, has become something of a hot topic over the past year.
Chuco, a former Navy SEAL, has regularly been stationed near the sideline during Inter Miami games, keeping a close eye on the stands and quickly responding to potential threats.
However, last season Chuko was banned from patrolling MLS sidelines following a shoving incident during a League Cup competition.
Thursday’s game in Puerto Rico was not an MLS game, but fans still wondered why he wasn’t there when the pitch invasion occurred.
There is nothing to suggest that Mr Czech has been fired or is no longer employed as Messi’s personal security.
In fact, the last time he was seen in public with the superstar was at Inter Miami’s MLS Cup celebrations in December, reinforcing the belief that their working relationship remains intact.
It remains unclear whether Cheuko’s absence from Puerto Rico is due to logistical reasons, contractual reasons, or simply unrelated to the case itself.
In any case, the sight of Messi being slammed to the ground while security was disrupted drew criticism from supporters who expected tighter protection for one of the sport’s most famous figures.
Solid battle for Inter Miami
For Inter Miami, the focus will shift from preseason preparations to competitive activities.
On the field, Morales’ shooting and Messi’s composed finishing highlighted the attacking chemistry heading into the regular season, and the club showed promise.
But off the field, Thursday’s moment of chaos may prompt a reassessment of match-day security protocols, especially when hosting a global icon like Messi.
Although the Argentine star left without injury, the episode serves as a reminder of how famous he is and his need for safety and protection.
