Lionel Messi tackled by pitch invader in Puerto Rico

Football

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was hauled to the ground during Inter Miami's friendly match against the Puerto Rico national team.

Lionel Messi was involved in a security breach during Inter Miami's exhibition match against Puerto Rico at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. A spectator evaded security and ran onto the pitch during the second half of the fixture. The individual reached the forward and tackled him to the ground before being restrained by security personnel, according to reports from ESPN.

Messi appeared unhurt and continued the match following the interruption. Inter Miami were playing the friendly as part of their 2026 pre-season preparations in the Caribbean. The club's personal security detail, led by Yassine Chueko, intervened quickly after the contact occurred.

The match resumed after a brief delay to allow security to remove the individual from the playing surface. Local organisers in Bayamon confirmed that the spectator was detained by police following the incident. Inter Miami staff monitored Messi for signs of injury, but the captain remained on the pitch until his scheduled substitution later in the contest, per The Guardian.

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