Lionel Messi tackled by shirtless field invader during game in Puerto Rico

The soccer icon was dragged to the ground by a fan who sprinted onto the pitch during an exhibition match.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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During an exhibition match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, a shirtless fan ran onto the field and tackled Lionel Messi to the ground. The 38-year-old soccer star was not injured, though he appeared annoyed by the incident. Security eventually intervened and the game continued, with Messi scoring the game-winning goal in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory.

Why it matters

Messi is one of the most famous and recognizable athletes in the world, and incidents like this highlight the challenges that high-profile sports stars face with overzealous fans. While the fan seemed to just want to get close to Messi, the tackle could have resulted in serious injury and raises concerns about security and fan behavior at sporting events.

The details

As the exhibition match was ending, a shirtless man wearing only black shorts and shoes sprinted onto the field and made a beeline for Messi. The man appeared to be trying to hug Messi, but ended up tackling him to the ground as security rushed in to intervene. Messi was not injured in the incident, though he seemed visibly annoyed. A few other fans also ran onto the field, with one even managing to take a selfie with Messi before being removed.

  • The exhibition match was originally scheduled for February 13 but was rescheduled due to a Messi injury.
  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 27, 2026 during the final minutes of the exhibition match.

The players

Lionel Messi

A 38-year-old Argentinian soccer player who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami

A professional soccer team based in Miami, Florida that plays in Major League Soccer.

Independiente del Valle

A professional soccer team based in Sangolquí, Ecuador that played against Inter Miami in the exhibition match.

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What’s next

Inter Miami will return to MLS regular-season action on Sunday, March 2nd when they face off against Orlando City FC in Florida.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the security challenges faced by high-profile athletes like Lionel Messi, who must balance their fame and accessibility with the need to maintain safety and control at sporting events. While the fan's actions were misguided, it serves as a reminder for event organizers to prioritize robust security measures to protect players and fans alike.