Chaos because of Messi

Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, every match he has played in at American stadiums has turned into an unprecedented large-scale security "operation".

Lionel Messi is no stranger to the sight of hundreds of fans swarming him whenever he arrives in a new city. They follow his bus, wait outside his hotel, and fill the stands just to catch a glimpse of the man hailed as the greatest legend in football history. But that fervor sometimes transcends the boundaries of the stands, spilling onto the pitch.

The preseason friendly between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico last February demonstrated this more clearly than ever. The atmosphere was already electrifying before kick-off, but it was the out-of-control events in the final minutes of the second half that truly became the focal point of the game, according to ESPN.

Security "nightmare"

At the Juan Ramón Loubriel stadium, as the final whistle blew in the second half, the security barriers began to crumble. Many fans broke through the barriers and rushed onto the pitch, heading straight for Messi. The superstar wearing the number 10 shirt stood motionless as a fan embraced him.

Security forces responded immediately, but in the ensuing chaos, the fans refused to let go, causing Messi to be pulled to the ground. He then got up and continued walking, showing no signs of panic or anger.

"Overall, those are very commendable gestures of affection. They do crazy things regardless of the potential consequences. But you also don't know how to react, or how the security forces will act. Sometimes intervention is too heavy-handed and unnecessary. Those are awkward moments for everyone," Messi shared with Diario Ole in 2022.

Since the game in Puerto Rico, Inter Miami has repeatedly faced similar intrusion incidents. Fans stormed the field, disrupting Messi's debut match in Colorado. A few days later, the incident repeated itself in Utah when Inter Miami played Real Salt Lake. Earlier this month, four people were arrested on charges of trespassing at BMO Field during Inter Miami's game against Toronto FC.

For "El Pulga," this is all too familiar. But for the home teams, every time Inter Miami plays away, they have to prepare as if it were a national security event.

Security personnel struggled to restrain a fan who ran onto the pitch to approach Messi during a friendly match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico in February. Photo: Reuters.

John Kimball, president of Real Salt Lake FC, said the planning process for welcoming Inter Miami was completely different from any other visiting team and that he had to start eight months in advance.

"We know that wherever Messi goes, crowds will search for him and do everything they can to get a photo or an autograph. So we have to be prepared," Kimball shared.

To counter the hype surrounding the Messi effect, the management of America First Field (home of Real Salt Lake FC) activated an unprecedented special security campaign. Internal controls were tightened to the maximum, with all season passes for staff being canceled and replaced with single-use passes, issued only to those directly involved in Inter Miami matches.

Simultaneously, access for non-shift staff was also strictly restricted. Furthermore, to ensure the absolute safety of the Argentinian superstar and his teammates, the organizers even erected sturdy physical barriers along the tunnel leading from the visiting team's changing room to the pitch.

However, the home teams' struggles would likely not have been enough without the final "line of defense" in the form of Yassine Chueko – Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard. Personally selected by David Beckham, this former MMA fighter is granted the privilege of constantly moving along the sidelines throughout the 90 minutes of the match. Chueko is almost always the first to control unruly fans, even before stadium security realizes the problem.

The high price for a few seconds of impulsiveness.

MLS has a clear penalty system: absolutely no entry into the pitch, tunnels, or any area not designated for spectators. Violations can result in non-refundable expulsion and forfeiture of future ticket purchase rights.

At Real Salt Lake FC, the price for unauthorized entry onto the pitch is a stadium ban, which in many cases can be permanent.

"Most of them didn't have bad intentions, it was just a moment of impulsiveness. But they must understand that by making that choice, they are simultaneously accepting the fact that they will never be welcome here again," John Kimball emphasized.

Beyond the realm of sports , the legal consequences for these impulsive acts are far more severe. Depending on the state, such as Florida, trespassing on a sports field can result in criminal prosecution. Spectators may face fines of $2,500 (approximately 65 million VND), and in serious cases, penalties of up to $5,000 (approximately 131 million VND) along with arrest warrants. Furthermore, if the intruder is a minor, their parents may bear full legal responsibility.

No matter how harsh the punishment, it cannot stop those who are willing to risk everything just to touch their idol. For Messi's teammates, they have no choice but to learn to adapt.

Since joining Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has created an unprecedented sensation, but this has also brought about a significant security challenge for stadiums across the United States. Photo: @leomessi/Instagram.

Guard Facundo Mura, who joined Inter Miami in January 2026, witnessed firsthand the chaos in Colorado, Utah, and Puerto Rico during his first few months with the team.

“I’m gradually understanding what Inter Miami means to people, not just in America but all over the world . Its influence is truly immense,” Mura shared.

Mateo Silvetti, who joined the team in August 2025, appears to be "immune" to these incidents.

“As an Argentinian, I’m used to seeing this. When you’re near him, you share that same fervent emotion with the fans. We understand them, because we admire him just as much. It’s an honor to be alongside Messi,” Silvetti said.

Next season, Inter Miami will likely continue to schedule new global tours. Messi will once again be visiting new cities. And then, the question won't be whether anyone will rush onto the pitch, but rather how well prepared the home teams will be.

Source: https://znews.vn/hon-loan-vi-messi-post1652138.html