Lionel Messi was knocked to the ground after fans stormed the pitch during a chaotic friendly in Puerto Rico on Thursday night.
The Argentine captain was playing for Inter Miami CF against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle when spectators invaded the field in the 88th minute.
One supporter sought a selfie, another requested an autograph, and a third rushed from behind to embrace the forward.
A security guard tackled the fan, but the collision dragged Messi down to the turf.
Messi appeared unhurt, landing on the supporter before rising slowly and walking away in visible frustration.
The disturbance capped a night already marred by confusion and delay at the Bayamon stadium.
Kick-off was pushed back by an hour after a disagreement over team colours remained unresolved.
Both sides eventually took the field wearing black, adding a surreal note to the evening.
Messi, introduced at half-time, changed the rhythm of the match with measured urgency and sharp movement.
He converted a penalty in the 70th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for Miami.
Fellow Argentine Santi Morales had opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish.
Ecuador international Patrik Mercado equalised a minute later, briefly silencing the crowd.
Nearly 20,000 spectators in Bayamon rose in applause when Messi entered the match.
The fixture had been postponed from February 13 because of an earlier injury to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Widely regarded among football’s greatest figures, Messi is expected to represent Argentina at a sixth World Cup this summer.
He has not formally confirmed his participation in the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
