Lionel Messi hits the ground after a pitch invader grabs him during a tense friendly match in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Inter Miami secures a 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle in a rescheduled early-season exhibition on Thursday evening.
Match Background and Schedule
Inter Miami plays this makeup game after postponing the original February 13 fixture due to Messi’s hamstring discomfort from a prior exhibition against Barcelona SC. The team sets the new date for February 26, just five days after opening the 2026 MLS season with a 3-0 loss to LAFC in Los Angeles.
Miami returns to MLS action less than 72 hours later, facing Orlando City on Sunday evening. Independiente del Valle also starts their LigaPro campaign with a 2-0 win over Guayaquil City last weekend and travels to Manta FC on Monday.
Game Disruptions and Lineup
Kickoff delays by a full hour due to uniform problems, forcing both teams into mostly black kits that blend from afar. A sold-out crowd of 12,500 packs Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel.
Coach Javier Mascherano starts mostly bench players from the LAFC opener but confirms the full squad remains available. Messi substitutes at halftime and converts a penalty kick to help secure the win.
The Dramatic Pitch Invasion
In the 88th minute, fans storm the field from behind Inter Miami’s goal. One invader sprints past Rodrigo De Paul toward Messi. A security guard redirects him, but two more fans—one in a Barcelona shirt, the other in Miami colors—follow for selfies and autographs.
The initial shirtless invader loops back, wraps his arms around Messi’s waist. The security guard tackles the fan, inadvertently pulling Messi down in the center circle. Messi rises quickly, unharmed and bemused, as no teammates rush to assist.
Amid more rushing fans, Independiente striker Carlos González approaches Messi, placing an arm around him while security regains control.
