The fans at the Juan Ramón Lubril Stadium in Puerto Rico experienced moments of anxiety and anticipation as the final whistle approached in the friendly match between Inter Miami and Ecuador's Independiente del Valle. The tension wasn't solely due to the scoreline, but also a dramatic incident that nearly resulted in an injury to Argentine star Lionel Messi, who continues to captivate audiences wherever he goes.
Details of the incident in the final minutes
Around the 88th minute, as the match drew to a close, an overzealous fan managed to breach the security cordon and storm the pitch, sprinting towards the Argentine star. In a swift attempt to control the situation, a security guard rushed to stop the fan before he reached Messi, but the guard slipped and collided with both the player and the fan, causing Messi to fall to the ground in a scene that left everyone breathless.
Fortunately, the Tango captain showed a calm and professional reaction, as he got up quickly without showing any signs of being affected or injured, to reassure the fans and the technical staff led by Tata Martino, and to complete the remaining minutes of the match normally.
The phenomenon of "Messi obsession" and the challenges of sports security
This incident once again highlights the immense security challenges facing stadiums in the United States and the CONCACAF region since Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS). Inter Miami matches have transformed into global events that transcend mere sporting competitions, with thousands eager to catch a glimpse of the football legend. This frenzy places unprecedented pressure on match organizers to ensure player safety, especially given the recurring incidents of fans invading the pitch to take photos or hug the Argentine star.
Match context and Inter Miami's upcoming challenges
From a technical standpoint, this match was part of an important preseason tour for the American team, which experienced some scheduling disruptions. It was originally scheduled for an earlier date but was postponed due to Messi experiencing some muscle discomfort during a previous tour. Inter Miami's coaching staff is striving to prepare the team in the best possible way for the MLS season, especially after a shaky start and a heavy 3-0 defeat against LA Galaxy. This puts the team under pressure to bounce back in their upcoming match against Orlando City next Sunday.
This incident remains a reminder that having stars of Lionel Messi’s stature requires exceptional security protocols, as any uncalculated contact could lead to injuries that affect not only the team’s season but also the global football scene, which follows every step taken by the world champion.
