WATCH: Lionel Messi caught by surprise as Inter Miami fan invades pitch to greet him mid-game
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi had a rather strange experience during his team’s 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids on April 7.
With the game already at 2-2 in the 90th minute, an enthusiastic Inter Miami fan invaded the pitch and ran towards Messi to ask for a photo.
Lionel Messi left surprised by Inter Miami fan
Both teams played well as Inter Miami came from a one-goal half-time deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Colorado. Lionel Messi came on for the second half as a replacement for Lawson Sunderland and scored just 11 minutes after entering the game.
Miami grabbed the lead shortly after but Colorado equalized in the 88th minute, breaking the hearts of home fans. Six minutes of time was added at the end, but a fan invaded the pitch just one minute into added time. The young girl ran past droves of security in order to get to Lionel Messi, who was caught off-guard and looked unimpressed with the developments.
Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Chueko, who has famously been seen in several of the star’s pictures in public, was also among the personnel chasing the girl. They were successful in catching her and escorting her out of the playing area for further action to be taken.
What does the result mean for Miami?
Following the 2-2 draw against Western Conference rivals Colorado, Miami now find themselves in third place in the East. Having played eight games, Miami have earned 12 points and are behind NY Red Bulls (1st, 14 points) and Philadelphia Union (2nd, 12 points).
With a long way left to go in the MLS season, Tata Martino’s men have plenty of time to rectify their position in the table. They have made a decent start so far and will look to achieve consistent results here on out.
Besides the league, Miami have reached the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they trail 2-1 to Monterrey after the first leg. The second leg will be played on Thursday, April 11 at the Estadio BBVA as Martino and his men will look to overturn the deficit.
Inter Miami will also compete in the Leagues Cup, which is scheduled to begin in July this year. They have been drawn into Group N alongside Puebla and Tigres UANL.
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