Soccer legend Lionel Messi was accidentally knocked to the ground during a wild pitch invasion on February 26, 2026.
The incident occurred during Inter Miami’s friendly match against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
In the 88th minute of the match, several fans bypassed security to reach the Argentine superstar.
While two fans successfully managed to get an autograph and a selfie, a third shirtless supporter rushed Messi from behind and wrapped his arms around the forward’s waist.
As a security guard lunged to tackle the intruder, the force of the intervention sent both the fan and Messi tumbling to the turf.
Social media users quickly reacted to the viral footage, with one observer noting, “What a s*** show this is. Both teams in black, fans storming the field, and they end up knocking over Messi. Wow.”
Another concerned fan questioned the lapse in protection, asking, “Where is the particular guy he pays millions to protect him on and off the pitch?”
Despite the scary fall, the 38-year-old Messi appeared unharmed, quickly returning to his feet to finish the game. He had earlier scored a 70th-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami.
The match itself was a “farcical” affair, having been delayed by an hour because both teams arrived with matching black kits.
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