MLS
Messi knocked down by pitch invader
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi was knocked to the ground by a security guard who was restraining a shirtless fan on the field near the end of their 2-1 friendly win over Ecuadorean champions Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
The fan reached the centre circle and wrapped his arms around twice-reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Messi before the security guard intervened and pulled the pitch invader to the ground while dragging the Argentine great down in the process.
By the time the individual got to Messi, there were two other fans — one in a Barcelona jersey and the other in a Miami shirt — in the middle of the field, where one took a selfie with the player while Messi signed the other’s shirt.
The 38-year-old Messi, who came on at halftime and converted the winner from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, got up immediately and appeared to be unharmed in Thursday’s incident.
The game at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in Bayamon was originally scheduled for February 13 and was supposed to be Miami’s pre-season finale, but it was postponed after Messi suffered a hamstring strain.
-Reuter
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Lionel Messi was cleared after a review by Major League Soccer determined that he did not violate any policy when he followed the match officials through a doorway following Inter Miami’s season-opening 3-0 defeat at LAFC, a league spokesperson said on Sunday.
MLS reviewed the incident, which occurred on Saturday and was captured on video, and determined the area Messi entered was not the referees’ locker room, nor was it a restricted area, and therefore no policy was violated, the spokesperson told Reuters.
In the video, Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez is seen attempting to restrain Messi by the arm, but the Argentine still managed to walk through the doorway in the bowels of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before re-emerging moments later.
The spokesperson said restricted areas at the venue would have had clear signage.
Inter Miami did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters for comment.
Defending champions Miami opened the season with a 3-0 loss in a game that drew 75,673 fans and was the highest-attended match in MLS opening weekend history.
-Reuters
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Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his injury leading to the postponement of what was supposed to be the reigning MLS Cup champions’ preseason finale.
Inter Miami, who are scheduled to open their MLS campaign on February 21, said the two-time reigning league MVP sustained the injury during a preseason game last weekend against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador, where he scored but was substituted in the second half.
Messi underwent additional medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis.
“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami said.
As a result of the injury, the friendly between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, scheduled to be played on Friday at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico, has been postponed to February 26.
-Reuters
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The Colorado Rapids acquired midfielder Hamzat Ojediran from RC Lens of France’s Ligue 1 on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Nigerian international is signed through 2028-29 with club options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.
Ojediran will occupy an international roster slot for the Rapids, who open the season on Feb. 22 at Seattle.
“Hamzat is a brilliant addition to the squad,” Rapids coach Matt Wells said. “He has the elite mentality, technical ability and physicality we need in order to compete at the highest level. He brings excellent experience of European football, and his identity of breaking up play and stopping opposition counter-attacks will help us impose our dominant style.”
Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, logging one goal in 17 appearances.
“We’re excited to bring a player of Hamzat’s calibre into our group,” Rapids president Padraig Smith said. “He brings outstanding physical presence, defensive discipline and explosiveness to our midfield. He’s an ideal fit for Matt’s system and is motivated and hungry to continue his own development and contribute to our success.”
Ojediran spent two seasons with RC Lens in the French top flight, scoring one goal in 17 appearances.
Ojediran began his professional career in Albania and also spent time on loan in Hungary before joining RC Lens.
-Reuters
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