The Lionel Messi pitch invasion Puerto Rico incident unfolded during an Inter Miami friendly against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle on Thursday night.
In the 88th minute, multiple fans ran onto the field in Bayamon. One supporter asked for a selfie, another sought an autograph, and a third rushed from behind to embrace Messi.
Security intervened quickly. However, during the struggle, the fan dragged Messi to the ground before being tackled by a guard. Messi landed on the supporter but appeared uninjured. He stood up and walked away in visible frustration.
The chaotic moment capped an unusual night. The friendly began an hour late due to a disagreement over team kit colours. Eventually, both teams played in black.
Messi entered as a substitute at the start of the second half. He scored the decisive penalty in the 70th minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 victory.
Inter Miami had taken the lead earlier through Santi Morales in the 16th minute. Ecuadorian international Patrik Mercado equalised shortly after.
Nearly 20,000 spectators attended the match in Bayamon, offering Messi a standing ovation when he came on.
Read: Mascherano Fuels Hope Over Messi’s 2026 World Cup Role
The friendly had originally been scheduled for February 13 but was postponed due to a previous injury to Messi.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is expected to represent Argentina at the upcoming World Cup. However, he has not yet officially confirmed his participation.
