Lionel Messi tackled by pitch invader during chaotic friendly in Puerto Rico

Guardian Sport

by Jeff Rueter

February 27, 2026

Preseason game was rescheduled due to a Messi injury Messi entered in second half and scored winning PK Inter Miami visits Orlando City in MLS play on Sunday Lionel Messi was briefly tackled to the ground by a pitch invader and a security guard in a midweek, early-season friendly on Thursday evening in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Inter Miami were fulfilling a make-up date for a postponed friendly against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, originally slated for 13 February. The initial date was scrapped after Messi had felt discomfort in his hamstring during the preceding tune-up exhibition at Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC. Inter Miami cited coordination with “the event promoter and the government of Puerto Rico” in determining the makeup date of 26 February – five days after Miami opened the 2026 MLS season in Los Angeles, losing 3-0 to Son Heung-min’s LAFC. Continue reading...

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/27/2026