Fans tackle Messi after pitch invasion during Puerto Rico friendly

messi was tackled to the ground by a pitch invader and a security guard late in Inter Miami’s friendly against Independiente del Valle at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, after fans ran onto the field during the closing minutes.

Messi tackled in centre circle

The disruption began in the 88th minute when a fan ran onto the pitch during an Independiente del Valle attack and removed his T-shirt before heading straight for Lionel Messi, who was standing in the centre circle; a security guard chased that first invader but, as others reached the field, the guard ultimately grabbed the shirtless fan and tackled him, pulling Messi to the turf as all three hit the ground. Messi rose quickly and walked away unhurt, and an opposing player, Carlos González, later put an arm around him while security and match officials cleared more pitch invaders.

Chaotic scene at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel

The exhibition was held in front of a sold-out crowd of 12, 500 at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, where kickoff had been delayed by an hour and both teams wore majority-black kits that made them difficult to tell apart from a distance. The friendly had been rearranged earlier in the month because messi had hamstring issues; it was originally slated for 13 February and was made up on 26 February. Messi had been substituted on just after half-time and converted the winning penalty as Inter Miami claimed a 2-1 victory after entering the match tied at 1-1.

What comes next for Inter Miami

Inter Miami will resume league play less than 72 hours after the friendly, visiting Orlando City on Sunday evening, meaning the team heads straight back into MLS action following the chaotic finish in Bayamón. The club had opened the MLS campaign with a 3-0 loss to LAFC before traveling to Puerto Rico for the make-up friendly.