(Video) Messi involved in security incident after fans invade pitch in Puerto Rico | OneFootball

Security incident occurs late in Puerto Rico match

(Video) Messi involved in security incident after fans invade pitch in Puerto Rico

Lionel Messi knocked to the ground after fan invaded the pitch during Inter Miami’s 2-1 friendly win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.

Strange scenes late in Puerto Rico friendly

Inter Miami secured 2-1 friendly victory over Independiente del Valle on Thursday night in Puerto Rico but the match ended with unusual and worrying moment involving Lionel Messi.

The incident happened in the 88 minute when several fans ran onto the pitch. One supporter stopped to take selfie with Messi while another tried to approach him more closely.

As security rushed in, one guard pushed a fan away causing Messi to fall to the ground during the sudden contact.

The situation was quickly brought under control and Messi appeared unharmed but the scene caused confusion in the final moments of the match.

Delays, confusion and squad rotation

The friendly already faced problems before kickoff. Originally scheduled for 13 February, the match was postponed due to Messi’s injury. On Thursday, kickoff was delayed by one hour because of a kit issue.

The problem was not fully solved as both teams played in black kits which led to some confusion during play.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano named line-up made mostly of reserve players who had not started in the previous league match against Los Angeles FC.

Messi decides the match from the spot

Messi entered the game at the start of second half and made the difference. The 38 year-old scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 70 minute giving Inter Miami the win in front of around 12,500 spectators.

The friendly was part of the club’s tour in Puerto Rico and came shortly after Inter Miami opened their MLS season with 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC.