Messi's friendly match in Puerto Rico descends into pitch-invasion chaos
A friendly match in Puerto Rico featuring Lionel Messi turned chaotic as fans rushed the pitch after the final whistle. The game, held in Bayamón, saw Inter Miami secure a 2–1 victory over Ecuador's Independiente del Valle. Messi's presence drew massive crowds, though exact attendance figures remain unreported.
The match took an intense turn when Messi was fouled by an overzealous security guard, knocking him to the ground. He quickly recovered and continued playing. In the 70th minute, he sealed the win for Inter Miami with a penalty kick, making the score 2–1.
After the game, spectators flooded the field, eager to get close to the football superstar. Some attempted selfies, while one fan grabbed Messi by the hip. Despite the chaos, the player remained calm and even signed a jersey for one of the pitch invaders.
The event highlighted the overwhelming excitement surrounding Messi's appearances, even in non-competitive matches. Inter Miami left with a victory, but the pitch invasion overshadowed the result. Authorities did not release official attendance numbers for the game in Bayamón.
