Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was accidentally knocked to the ground by security during Inter Miami's victory in Puerto Rico. A shirtless fan had run onto the field and embraced the Argentine player before security intervened.
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi found himself on the ground Thursday night after a security officer accidentally brought him down while tackling a field invader during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
The incident occurred near the final whistle when a shirtless supporter sprinted onto the pitch and managed to embrace the two-time MLS Most Valuable Player at midfield. As security moved in to remove the intruder, the guard inadvertently pulled Messi down along with the fan during the takedown.
Before security could respond, two additional fans had already made their way to the center of the field – one wearing a Barcelona uniform and another in Miami colors. One managed to snap a photo with the soccer legend while Messi autographed the other fan’s jersey.
The 38-year-old Argentine star, who entered the match during halftime and scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 70th minute, quickly returned to his feet and showed no signs of injury from the mishap.
Thursday’s match at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamon was initially set for February 13 as Miami’s final preseason contest, but organizers had to reschedule after Messi sustained a hamstring injury.