Lionel Messi was brought down after a fan ran onto the field at the end of Inter Miami CF’s friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico on Thursday.
The incident took place around the 88th minute at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón. A supporter ran towards the centre circle and grabbed Messi by the waist from behind. A security guard tried to remove the fan, and in the process both the fan and Messi fell to the ground. Messi appeared unharmed. He got up quickly and walked away to another part of the pitch.
One fan had approached him from behind without him noticing. As the supporter held him, a security official intervened. The attempt to pull the fan away led to Messi also being knocked down. The fan was unable to take a selfie. Several supporters entered the pitch during the exhibition match.
The game had originally been scheduled for February 13 but was postponed after Messi felt discomfort in his leg during a previous exhibition fixture against Barcelona SC.
Santiago Morales and Messi scored in the 16th and 70th minutes as Inter Miami won 2-1.
Miami had begun its MLS season with a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC and will next play Orlando City SC on Sunday.
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