Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi (R) watches a fan enter the field during a friendly match against Independiente del Valle on Thursday in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Photo by Thais LLorca/EPA
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi was brought to the ground by a field intruder during a preseason win in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
The incident occurred in the 89th minute of the 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle on Thursday at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.
Messi appeared unharmed and got up on his own power.
Independiente del Valle held possession and were in the Herons’ half. Several fans sprinted toward midfield, with security in pursuit. One of the men ran in behind Messi, wrapped his arms around the Argentine striker and pulled him to the ground while he also was wrapped up by a security staff member.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute of the match. Midfielder Santiago Morales found the net for the Herons in the 16th minute.
Messi and the Herons will take on Orlando City in an MLS matchup at 7 p.m. EST Sunday in Orlando, Fla. The Herons will open their new home stadium, Miami Freedom Park, with a game against Austin FC on April 4 in Miami.
Most successful Latin American soccer players of all time
Pelé, BrazilBrazilian footballer Pelé attends a book signing for “Pelé: The Autobiography” at Waterstone’s on Oxford Street in London on May 21, 2006. He won a record three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962 and 1970) and scored more than 1,000 career goals, becoming one of the most influential athletes of the 20th century. Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo
