Lionel Messi taken down by pitch invader as opposing player forced to protect him

An opposition player was forced to intervene after a pitch-invader brought Lionel Messi to the ground during Inter Miami’s friendly against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle on Friday (27 February).

The game was initially set to take place on 13 February but was pushed back due to Messi suffering an injury.

According to the Miami Herald’s Michelle Kaufman, the game was also temporarily postponed by an hour ahead of kick-off due to confusion related to the teams’ kits.

However, both ended up playing in black, which made viewing particularly difficult.

But one fan made no mistake when running towards Messi during the 89th minute of proceedings in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

Several fans invaded the pitch, with one clad in a Barcelona shirt with Messi’s name emblazoned on the back, taking a quick photograph before attempting to evade security, who rushed towards the Inter Miami forward.

Meanwhile, another fan who was shirtless wrapped his arms around Messi before a security guard tackled both to the ground. After a couple of seconds, the Argentine returned to a standing position and walked away.

None of Messi’s team-mates became involved, although opposing player Carlos González did try to intervene by wrapping his arms around Messi while security personnel dealt with the other pitch invaders.

Messi had been introduced at half-time with the scores at 1-1 before going on to score a penalty in the 70th minute to make it 2-1.

Fans also reacted to the pitch invader incident on social media.

One said: “Where are the guards? Where is the particular guy he pays millions to protect him on and off the pitch?”

Another added: “What a s*** show this is.

“Both teams in black, fans storming the field, and they end up knocking over Messi. Wow.”

A third commented: “Messi’s bodyguard isn’t on duty today? And how can both teams even wear similar uniforms?”

A fourth exclaimed: “The one time we need that buff security guard he’s nowhere to be found…”

A fifth joked: “After all that publicity about his bodyguard, Messi gets tackled by a fan.”

Inter Miami begin their MLS season with a trip to Orlando City on 2 March.