WATCH: Lionel Messi pushed to ground by pitch invader
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Argentine star player was tackled to the pitch by pitch invaders.
A pitch-invading fan tackled Lionel Messi to the ground during Inter Miami’s tumultuous friendly match against Independiente del Valle.
On February 13, the MLS Cup winners were scheduled to play Ecuadorian opponents; however, the match had to be rescheduled. On February 26, it finally happened in Puerto Rico, and among the stars to show up was the Argentine great, Lionel Messi.
The Herons completed several games in different nations before travelling to South America for a preseason trip. After Messi experienced hamstring pain and was expected to be out, the initial match was postponed.
Although he was lucky to avoid another premature knock, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner managed to take to the field in Bayamon. At one point, several star-eyed fans jumped the advertising hoarding and ran over the pitch, dragging him to the ground.
Five days after losing 3-0 to Heung-min Son and LAFC to start their 2026 MLS campaign, Lionel Messi and company left Florida. Less than 72 hours after their trip to Puerto Rico, they will return to domestic play once again on Sunday against local rivals Orlando City.
Lionel Messi was brought down to the ground by many pitch invaders
After witnessing an odd spectacle against Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami will be happy to return home. Due to kit clashes—both sides lining up in black uniforms—the game’s kickoff was postponed by an hour. In the end, it was agreed to proceed nevertheless.
The majority of the players in Javier Mascherano’s starting lineup did not start the match against LAFC. In a 2-1 victory for the Herons, World Cup winner Lionel Messi came off the bench at halftime and scored a penalty.
The 38-year-old quickly stood back up after the unintended push, indicating he was unharmed. Although more spectators entered the field, stewards were able to bring the crowd under control. Lionel Messi is now free to concentrate on MLS matches once more while also looking forward to Argentina’s World Cup championship defence this summer.
Did Messi suffer any injury during the tackle?
No, he instantly got up.
Who won the match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle?
Inter Miami won 2-1.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.