Lionel Messi Falls After Fan Hugs Him During Puerto Rico Game on Feb 26, 2026

A fan ran onto the field to hug Lionel Messi during a game in Puerto Rico on February 26, 2026. Security then accidentally pulled Messi to the ground.
By Newsroom | Football, Sports |

A recent exhibition match in Puerto Rico saw a brief interruption when a fan entered the field and embraced Lionel Messi. Security personnel intervened, which inadvertently caused Messi to be taken to the ground. The player emerged from the incident unharmed, and play resumed.

Match Circumstances and Timeline

Inter Miami was participating in a friendly against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. This game served as a makeup for a previously postponed fixture, originally scheduled for February 13. The earlier postponement was due to Messi experiencing hamstring discomfort during a prior exhibition match.

  • The friendly in Puerto Rico took place on February 26, 2026.

  • Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory in this final pre-season match.

  • Messi contributed to the win by scoring a penalty.

Fan Interaction and Security Response

During the match, the flow of play was momentarily disrupted by supporter actions.

  • Several fans attempted to access the field to get closer to Messi.

  • One specific incident involved a topless fan sprinting towards Messi, wrapping his arms around the player's waist.

  • A security guard, identified as Yassine Cheuko, intervened.

  • In the process of apprehending the invader, Cheuko inadvertently brought Messi down with them.

The fan's action of embracing Messi was quickly followed by security's forceful intervention, leading to both the fan and Messi falling.

Messi's Condition and Reaction

Despite being brought to the ground, Lionel Messi was not injured during the encounter.

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  • He quickly stood up and appeared unfazed by the event.

  • Reports describe Messi as looking "bemused" or "unscathed."

Recurring Security Concerns

This incident in Puerto Rico is not the first instance of fans breaching security to reach Messi.

  • There have been prior occurrences of supporters entering the field during Inter Miami games.

  • Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been a visible presence, tasked with preventing such intrusions.

  • Cheuko is a former Navy Seal with prior military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  • He has been associated with Messi since his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

The security surrounding Messi has been notably active, with Cheuko, a former Navy Seal, often intervening in fan-related breaches during matches.

Broader Context of Fan Invasions

The incident also highlights a broader trend of heightened security measures and fan enthusiasm surrounding Lionel Messi.

  • Messi's presence has drawn significant attention and a large following.

  • There have been instances where Cheuko himself has been involved in tackling pitch invaders, and in at least one previous incident, the bodyguard reportedly took a tumble while apprehending a fan.

  • Cheuko's role and the increasing frequency of pitch invasions have been a subject of discussion.

The pattern of fans breaching security to approach Messi is evident, underscoring the challenges in managing such situations.

Analysis of Security Protocol

The intervention by Cheuko in Puerto Rico has drawn attention, particularly in light of previous incidents and Cheuko's background.

  • While Cheuko is trained for security, the incident saw him inadvertently bring Messi down.

  • Reports suggest Cheuko may have had his professional judgment tested in the heat of the moment, with one prior instance where a fan reportedly "took Cheuko out."

  • There are suggestions that the effectiveness of such direct intervention is under scrutiny given the circumstances.

The physical engagement by security personnel, while aimed at protecting Messi, has sometimes led to unintended consequences, including brief takedowns of the player himself.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The friendly match in Puerto Rico concluded with Inter Miami's victory, but the on-field interaction with a fan provided a notable moment. Lionel Messi was briefly disrupted but ultimately unharmed. The event underscores the intense public interest in the player and the ongoing security challenges faced by clubs when such prominent figures are involved. The repeated instances of pitch invasions and security interventions, including the actions of Yassine Cheuko, indicate a persistent need for robust security planning and execution at matches featuring Messi.

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The incident serves as a reminder of the security measures required around high-profile athletes, and the complexities involved in managing fan interactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lionel Messi during the Inter Miami game in Puerto Rico on February 26, 2026?
During a friendly match in Puerto Rico on February 26, 2026, a fan ran onto the field and hugged Lionel Messi. Security tried to stop the fan and accidentally pulled Messi to the ground.
Q: Was Lionel Messi hurt when the fan and security guard brought him down?
No, Lionel Messi was not hurt. He quickly got up after the incident and seemed fine. The game continued after the brief stop.
Q: Why did security bring Lionel Messi down during the fan incident?
Security guard Yassine Cheuko was trying to remove a fan who had run onto the field to hug Messi. In the process of grabbing the fan, Cheuko accidentally brought Messi down too.
Q: Is this the first time a fan has run onto the field to get to Lionel Messi?
No, this has happened before. Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has had to stop fans from reaching Messi during other games. This shows the high interest in Messi.
Q: What was the result of the Inter Miami vs. Independiente del Valle game in Puerto Rico?
Inter Miami won the friendly match against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle with a score of 2-1. Lionel Messi scored a penalty in the game.