LIONEL MESSI was pulled to the ground by a pitch invader during Inter Miami’s friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
The Argentina captain came on as a half-time substitute. With two minutes left in normal time, a fan ran onto the field and grabbed him around the waist. The sudden contact forced Messi to the turf.
Several supporters had already entered the pitch to get close to the former FC Barcelona star. Messi was taking a selfie with one fan when another rushed in and tackled him.
Security staff reacted quickly. Messi, the fan, and a security guard briefly fell to the ground in the scramble. The situation was brought under control within seconds.
Messi appeared unharmed. He calmly walked to the other side of the pitch as more security personnel arrived.
Despite the disruption, Messi made an impact in the game. He scored from the penalty spot in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win. Santiago Morales added the team’s other goal.
The friendly had originally been scheduled for 13 February but was postponed because Messi was recovering from a hamstring injury.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, recently began their Major League Soccer season with a 3-0 loss to LAFC. They will now prepare for an away match against Orlando City.
