MESSI FALLS AFTER FAN INVADES PITCH IN PUERTO RICO
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Lionel Messi was knocked to the ground during a pitch invasion by fans at a friendly match in Puerto Rico on Thursday.
Messi was representing Inter Miami in a game against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle when supporters stormed the field in the 88th minute.
One fan tried to take a selfie with the Argentine star, another demanded his shirt, and a third rushed to embrace him from behind. A security guard intervened, tackling the fan, which caused Messi—the World Cup winner—to be pulled to the ground.
Messi appeared uninjured, quickly got to his feet, and walked away in visible frustration.
The chaotic scenes capped a farcical evening for a match that had already started an hour late due to a dispute over team colors. The disagreement seemingly went unresolved, with both sides playing in black kits.
A penalty from Messi secured a 2-1 win for Inter Miami. The Argentine, who entered as a second-half substitute, scored the decisive goal in the 70th minute. Fellow Argentine Santi Morales had opened the scoring in the 16th minute, with Ecuadorian Patrik Mercado equalizing a minute later.
Originally scheduled for February 13, the match was postponed due to a Messi injury. Nearly 20,000 spectators in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his entrance.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, is expected to represent Argentina at a record sixth World Cup this summer across the US, Mexico, and Canada, although he has yet to officially confirm his participation.
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