Lionel Messi Briefly Downed During Pitch Invasion in Puerto Rico Friendly
Published: February 27, 2026
Incident Occurred Late in Match Against Independiente del Valle
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was briefly knocked to the ground during a pitch invasion at the end of Inter Miami’s friendly match against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, on Thursday.
A fan ran onto the field and grabbed Messi by the waist. Both the fan and Messi were then pulled down by a security guard. Messi “appeared to be unharmed” and quickly got up and moved to another part of the pitch, according to reports.
Messi appeared to be unharmed. The Argentine star immediately got up and walked to another part of the pitch as security multiplied in a bid to prevent anyone else from reaching the forward.ESPN News Services
Match Details and Recent History
Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle. Messi scored a penalty during the match after being substituted on at halftime. Santiago Morales also scored for Inter Miami.
The match was originally scheduled for February 13th but was postponed due to discomfort in Messi’s leg following a previous exhibition match against Barcelona SC of Ecuador.
Recent Team Performance
- Inter Miami began its MLS season with a 3-0 loss to LAFC.
- The team is scheduled to face Orlando City next on Sunday.
Fan Behavior and Security Measures
Several fans entered the pitch around the 88th minute of the exhibition match, prompting an increased security presence.
FAQ
What happened to Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi was briefly knocked to the ground by a fan and a security guard during a pitch invasion.
Was Messi injured?
Reports indicate that Messi appeared to be unharmed after the incident.
Who did Inter Miami play against?
Inter Miami played against Independiente del Valle of Ecuador.
This represents a developing story. Check back for updates.
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