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

• 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 Bayamon, 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.