San Juan, Puerto Rico: What was intended to be a celebratory international friendly turned into a security nightmare on Thursday evening as multiple pitch invaders swarmed Lionel Messi in the closing minutes of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle.

The match, held in collaboration with the Puerto Rican government, ended in "abject chaos" when three individuals breached security in the 89th minute. While the latter two intruders; wearing Messi jerseys from his Miami and Barcelona eras; sought selfies, the initial shirtless invader grabbed the Argentine superstar from behind.

As security personnel closed in, the force of the encounter sent both the fan and Messi to the turf. Fortunately, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner rose quickly and appeared to escape the scuffle without injury, though visibly frustrated by the lapse in safety.

Match Highlights: Messi Secures the Win

Despite the late-game drama, the match served as a crucial fitness test for Inter Miami following a rocky start to their domestic campaign.

• Final Score: Inter Miami 2, Independiente Valle 1

• The Deciding Goal: Lionel Messi converted a clinical penalty in the 69th minute to break the deadlock.

• Context: The friendly was a rescheduled event from February 13, following a hamstring injury Messi sustained during the preseason.

Security Concerns and Future Implications

Inter Miami traveled to Puerto Rico seeking momentum after a disappointing 3-0 loss to LAFC in their MLS season opener. However, the lapse in field-level protection has raised serious questions regarding player safety during international exhibitions.

The event, while a commercial success for the local government, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges stadiums face in managing "Messi-mania" on a global scale.

News Desk: The Football Tribune