Chaos briefly broke out during a historic game between Inter Miami FC and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico as star Lionel Messi was brought down to the ground by a fan and security guard.
After 90 minutes, the score ended 2-1 in favor of the Argentine star’s club. Messi scored on Puerto Rican soil at the Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium in the second half of the friendly match after coming on as a substitute.
But what really got the internet talking was what happened minutes before the end of the game, when multiple people stormed the field. One person ran shirtless with security in pursuit as a 14-year-old took a selfie with the soccer icon.
When the streaker stopped to hug Messi, he was taken down by the security – with Messi in tow.
Messi quickly stood back up as more security guards wrangled the streaker.
Leopoldo Smith/Getty ImagesLeopoldo Smith/Getty Images
BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO – FEBRUARY 26: A fan is detained by security guards after jumping onto the field to greet Lionel Messi during a friendly game between Independiente del Valle and Inter Miami at Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
Leopoldo Smith/Getty ImagesLeopoldo Smith/Getty Images
BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO – FEBRUARY 26: A kid is detained by security guards after jumping onto the field to greet Lionel Messi during a friendly game between Independiente del Valle and Inter Miami at Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO – FEBRUARY 26: A fan is chased by security guards after jumping onto the pitch to greet Lionel Messi during a friendly game between Independiente del Valle and Inter Miami at Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium on February 26, 2026 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)
“Unfortunate situation. What’s going on on the field of play?” announcer Ricardo Torres said in Spanish. “Let’s hope they can control this immediately… we understand the emotion, but there’s no room for that here.”
It was not immediately clear if anyone suffered injuries, or whether charges would be filed.
Outside the stadium, Alexander, the teen who took a picture with the star and was able to get an FC Barcelona jersey signed, told Telemundo Puerto Rico that he had planned to jump onto the field “since [my friends and I] saw the tickets.”
“Since I got out of school today, I’ve had a Sharpie in my pocket,” he said. “And when I showered, I remember, I put it in my pocket and said, ‘With this Sharpie, Messi’s going to sign my jersey.’ I don’t know where that Sharpie is now,” he said. “Messi didn’t make my day, he made my life.”
Telemundo Puerto Rico reported that the public’s enthusiasm exceeded all expectations, with more than 100,000 people lining up to buy tickets.
Thousands of fans—from Puerto Rico and around the world—logged on to Ticketera at the same time to secure entry, selling out every available category, including general admission, suites, preferred seating, grandstand seats and VIP packages.
The game was broadcast locally on Telemundo PR and only available in the U.S. via the OneFootball App.
The regular MLS season continues for Inter Miami with their game against Orlando City SC on March 1.