What was meant to be a celebratory exhibition match in Puerto Rico turned into a security nightmare on Thursday night (February 26, 2026). During Inter
Miami's 2-1 victory over Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, superstar Lionel Messi was knocked to the ground after several fans stormed the pitch late in the game.
The incident highlights a growing concern over player safety during high-profile exhibition tours. Despite having personal security, the overwhelming number of pitch invaders exposed serious lapses in stadium management.
What happened to Lionel Messi in Puerto Rico?
In the 89th minute at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamon, the match was interrupted as fans jumped the barriers. While one supporter managed to get a selfie and another an autograph, a third, shirtless fan sprinted toward the center circle and grabbed Messi around the waist. A security guard, in an attempt to tackle the intruder, inadvertently brought both the fan and Messi crashing to the turf.
Fortunately, the 38-year-old Argentine legend appeared unhurt. He quickly stood back up and walked away from the scuffle, though he looked visibly shaken by the lack of protection.
The game itself was plagued by strange events before it even began. Originally scheduled for February 13, it was postponed after Messi suffered a hamstring injury. When it finally took place, kick-off was delayed by an hour due to a "kit clash"-both teams arrived with black uniforms, making it nearly impossible for fans and officials to tell the sides apart.
Messi started the game on the bench but entered at half-time with the score tied at 1-1. He eventually scored the winning goal from a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Inter Miami's Next Match is against Orlando City.
While Messi escaped injury this time, such "slugfests" for fan attention pose a genuine risk to aging superstars, especially as Inter Miami navigates a crowded 2026 MLS schedule and the upcoming World Cup.
