Article body analysed
The pitch invader, carrying an Argentina shirt, hauled Lionel Messi to the ground Argentina captain Lionel Messi was hauled to the ground by a pitch invader during Inter Miami's friendly win against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Messi, who was brought on as a half-time substitute, was wrestled to the turf by a spectator with two minutes remaining of normal time. Several fans had already invaded the pitch in order to get close to Messi, who was taking a selfie with one when another grabbed the former Barcelona playmaker around his waist. Security were quickly on the scene, with Messi, the fan and one security guard hitting the ground in a clinch. Messi appeared unharmed and made his way over to the other side of the pitch as security reinforcements arrived. He netted from the penalty spot in the 2-1 win, with Santiago Morales scoring Miami's other goal. The match had originally been scheduled for 13 February but was cancelled because Messi was struggling with a hamstring injury. Miami, who are co-owned by David Beckham, started their Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a 3-0 defeat by LAFC last weekend. They face a trip to state rivals Orlando City on Sunday. Several fans invaded the pitch before being restrained Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Emery's title 'dream' over - but will Villa salvage top-five hopes? 'Baz said play like Sehwag' - an England win that felt like the good times Chelsea to face holders PSG in Champions League last 16 Lord Sugar's hopefuls jet off to Hong Kong Annie and Nick look ahead to the Brit Awards The making of Charli XCX's fourth album, during the 2020 lockdown An occult-tinged crime shakes a Welsh village to its core 'Borthwick relaxed but defiant amid England Six Nations slide' How do Man City's Muslim players adapt to Ramadan and what help do they get? Cadillac and Audi - the same ambition but two very different projects All you need to know about Netball Super League 2026 #Do It Like Harry - from viral Twickenham mascot to England U18s prospect India overpower Zimbabwe to restore hopes of semi-final spot. Video India overpower Zimbabwe to restore hopes of semi-final spot The £37m cost of Man Utd's past two managerial changes 'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo. Video'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo 'I had some potential, but my personality was preventing me from reaching it' The 'rare combination' behind Britain's youngest F1 driver 'Darlings of Italian football' - how Atalanta salvaged national pride 'It would be catastrophic' - are Spurs too big to go down? 'Equal in decay' - Mayweather v Pacquiao is another boxing 'carnival' How safe is bare-knuckle boxing as it fights for mainstream appeal? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.