Lionel Messi converted a second-half penalty before being knocked to the ground by a pitch-invading supporter during Inter Miami CF’s 2–1 pre-season victory over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico on 26 February 2026.
The closing stages descended into chaos as several spectators ran onto the pitch at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. One fan collided with Messi while being pursued by security staff, sending the Argentine to the turf. He quickly rose unhurt, though further interruptions followed as more supporters — many of them children — attempted to approach him before police restored order. Messi was escorted from the field after the final whistle.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 16th minute when Santi Morales finished from close range following an assist by Luis Suarez. The advantage lasted barely a minute, with Patrik Mercado equalising almost immediately for the Ecuadorian side.
Messi, who began the match among the substitutes, was introduced in the second half and made the decisive impact in the 70th minute. After Suárez won a penalty for handball inside the area, Messi fired confidently into the top-right corner to seal the win.
Supporters at the Bayamón venue had initially expected to see Messi on 13 February 2026, but the fixture was postponed after he sustained a hamstring injury during pre-season preparations.
Thursday’s match also began an hour late due to a kit clash, with both teams originally wearing black shirts before a change was arranged.
With pre-season now complete, Inter Miami turn their attention to the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign. They next travel to face Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium — a ground Messi has yet to feature at since arriving in July 2023.
Messi played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s season-opening 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on 21 February 2026 and will hope to build momentum following his latest goal-scoring return.
