Lionel Messi Knocked Down in Puerto Rico Pitch Invasion

Lionel Messi scores amid pitch invasion

Lionel Messi knocked to ground by fan during pitch invasion in Puerto Rico, scores penalty winner for Inter Miami.

Messi scores winning goal in chaotic friendly match in Puerto Rico, fans invade pitch...

Lionel Messi was taken down by a fan during a pitch invasion in Puerto Rico while playing for Inter Miami against Independiente del Valle. The incident occurred in the 88th minute of the friendly match, with several fans rushing onto the field, causing chaos. One fan grabbed Messi from behind, and a security guard tackled the fan, bringing Messi to the ground. Fortunately, Messi appeared unharmed and quickly got up, walking away in frustration.

The match, which was originally scheduled for February 13, was rescheduled due to Messi's injury. Inter Miami went on to win the game 2-1, with Messi scoring a penalty goal in the 70th minute. The team will now focus on their upcoming MLS match against Orlando City.

What a shit show this is.

Both teams in black, fans storming the field, and they end up knocking over Messi. Wow.

https://t.co/DySCzml9SD

— herculez gomez (@herculezg) February 27, 2026

While one fan demanded a selfie with the Argentine great and another asked for his shirt to be signed, a third rushed to embrace Messi from behind. A security guard tackled the fan, who dragged the World Cup winner to the floor.

Messi did not appear to be injured in the incident, landing on the fan, before picking himself up and walking away in apparent frustration.

The pitch invasion was the cherry on top of a chaotic night, with the match starting an hour late due to a jersey dispute. In the end, both teams just wore black, and the game went ahead.

Messi grabbed by fan in Puerto Rico chaos

Lionel Messi secured a 2-1 win for Inter Miami with a penalty kick in the 70th minute against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Messi, who came on as a substitute at halftime, scored the winning goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Inter Miami had taken an early lead through Santi Morales' goal in the 16th minute, but Independiente del Valle equalized just a minute later. Messi's penalty proved decisive, giving Miami the victory.

Ecuadorian international Patrik Mercado levelled the score in the 17th minute.

The friendly was originally scheduled for February 13th but was postponed due to a Messi injury.

Nearly 20,000 spectators in Bayamon, on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a US territory, gave the Argentine idol a standing ovation when he finally entered the game.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the greatest footballers ever, is likely to lead Argentina at a record sixth World Cup this summer. He's yet to confirm his participation, but expectations are high he'll be there, playing across the US, Mexico, and Canada.