Lionel Messi was dragged to the ground during a game on Thursday night not by an opposing player — but by a shirtless fan.
As the soccer icon’s Inter Miami squad was finishing up a friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, a man sprinted onto the pitch and made a beeline for Messi.
Wearing nothing but a pair of black shorts and black shoes, he got to the 38-year-old and grabbed on.
The man seemed to be just trying to dole out a hug, but as security raced in to pry him off, he ended up taking Messi to the ground.
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Lionel Messi was taken to the ground by a shirtless field invader during Inter Miami’s friendly in Puerto Rico on Thursday. APFortunately, Messi immediately got up and did not appear to be injured, though he did seem extremely annoyed by the scene.
The man was hardly the only fan to hit the pitch in an effort to get near Messi, a few others performed similar actions — with one actually getting close enough to take a selfie with the Argentinian footballer.
Security eventually got the situation under control, and Inter Miami won the exhibition, 2-1, without further issue.
Thursday’s friendly had been originally slated for Feb. 13 but was rescheduled due to a Lionel Messi injury. Getty ImagesThe game had been originally slated for Feb. 13 as part of Inter Miami’s preseason slate, but after Messi suffered a hamstring injury, it was rescheduled to Thursday.
Messi’s second-half goal ended up being the game-winner.
Inter Miami will return to MLS regular-season action — which began last weekend with a 3-0 loss to LAFC — on Sunday against Orlando in Florida.
