Messi tackled by fan during Inter Miami friendly

Lionel Messi was wrestled to the ground by a pitch invader during Inter Miami’s 2-1 friendly win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.

The Argentina captain, brought on as a half-time substitute, was attacked with two minutes remaining of normal time when a spectator grabbed him around the waist while he was taking a selfie with another fan.

Quick security response

Security intervened immediately, resulting in a brief scuffle that brought Messi, the fan, and one guard to the ground.

Messi appeared unharmed and walked to the other side of the pitch as reinforcements arrived.

Despite the incident, Messi converted a penalty to help seal Miami’s victory, with Santiago Morales scoring the other goal.

Season start and upcoming fixtures

The friendly was originally scheduled for 13 February but had been postponed due to Messi’s hamstring injury.

Inter Miami began their Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a 3-0 defeat against LAFC last weekend.

The team will next visit state rivals Orlando City on Sunday as they aim to improve early-season form.