Inter Miami secured an absurd exhibition victory against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico last night, a match marred when Lionel Messi was forcefully brought down by a field intruder.
The game, an exhibition fixture rescheduled because Messi experienced a minor hamstring issue, was eclipsed in the 88th-minute when a bare-chested supporter rushed onto the playing area and knocked the Argentine to the ground while he was signing an autograph.
Messi remained uninjured and promptly rose to his feet.
Messi and Morales Net Goals as Miami Triumphs
The match itself presented an unusual spectacle, with both sides attired in black jerseys, which complicated telling players and teams apart.
Messi entered the game at half-time, scoring the decisive goal from a spot-kick in Miami’s 2-1 victory.
It proved a beneficial practice for coach Javier Mascherano, as several squad members who were not in the starting lineup for the weekend’s 3-0 MLS loss against LAFC – including Luis Suárez and Santiago Morales – gained valuable playing time.
Morales registered Miami’s initial goal and will be vying for increased playing opportunities when they recommence MLS league play this weekend by visiting their Florida rivals, Orlando City.