Lionel Messi Caught in Chaotic Pitch Invasion During Inter Miami Friendly

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi is widely beloved worldwide, with fans flocking to see him play for nearly two decades. However, one pitch invader went overboard with his admiration for the Argentina legend in the Herons’ recent friendly in Puerto Rico.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Taken Down by Pitch Invader

After opening their 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a 3-0 loss at Los Angeles FC (LAFC) last Saturday, Inter Miami took on Independiente del Valle earlier this Thursday, Feb. 26. They were initially scheduled to face the Ecuadorian team on Feb. 13.

During the friendly clash at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Herons’ Santiago Morales opened the scoring from an assist from Luis Suárez in the 16th minute. But Patrik Mercado restored parity for Independiente del Valle just a minute later.

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Messi, 38, came on as a second-half substitute, replacing Morales at the break. He went on to score the winner in the 70th minute of his side’s 2-1 win, converting a penalty.

In the 88th minute, overzealous fans invaded the field from behind Inter Miami’s goal, with one fan running towards the Herons’ captain. Despite being pursued by a security worker, he grabbed hold of the Argentine, wrapping his arms around the attacker’s waist. However, he was quickly tackled to the ground, and Messi left the pitch unscathed seconds later.

The Barcelona legend will next be in action in the MLS in a clash against Orlando City at the Inter&Co Stadium this Sunday, Mar. 1. He will be hoping to open his account for the season after failing to score and influence the proceedings against LAFC last weekend.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has suggested that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the greatest of all time (GOAT), snubbing Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’d probably just go for Messi. Well, he’s a world champion obviously but, maybe he thinks about the team a little more than Ronaldo does at times. He hasn’t quite got that ego too… obviously has got an ego but, he’s just such an amazing player to watch. But they are both fantastic,” Smith replied to Bolavip when asked to pick between the two players.

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“They will be rated as the best two players of all time. A lot of top players haven’t gone for as long as Messi and Ronaldo, and for that reason, you know, I think they are the top two,” Smith, who helped the Gunners win two top-flight league titles as a player, said.

Both the Argentine and the Portuguese icons are likely to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.