Lionel Messi Escapes Car Accident in Florida After Fan Distraction

Lionel Messi’s visit in America nearly turned tragic as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was involved in a car accident while traveling in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday.

Despite breaking a red light, Messi, who was being escorted by police in front and behind him, took a left turn, and the incoming car just avoided colliding with Messi’s car. TyC Sports aired a video of Messi leaving the Inter Miami training complex in a fancy white SUV.

Fortunately, both parties avoided a crash and no one was injured.

However, just before this, an eager fan almost stepped in front of Messi, attempting to film the superstar.

🚨 | Messi went through a red light. 😭Luckily he was being escorted home by a Florida State Police car.

pic.twitter.com/mT8daiYK2g

— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) July 14, 2023

The Inter Miami player is unlikely to suffer legal consequences for running a red light because he was escorted by police, but anyone else who does so could risk a $125 fine and three points taken off their license.

Lionel Messi has been settling into life in Miami since his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain last month. The Argentine superstar has been spotted buying groceries with his family and getting accustomed to his new surroundings.

Messi’s arrival has sparked a surge of excitement around Inter Miami, which has not won a game since May. The club’s regular season games are now sold out, and new stands are being built to expand its stadium’s capacity.

Messi’s impact on US professional soccer has been felt nationwide. Fans from all over the country are eager to see the six-time Ballon d’Or winner in action, and MLS viewership is expected to skyrocket this season.

When Messi’s plane touched down at Miami International Airport on Tuesday, he was greeted by a throng of fans who held up signs that read “We were waiting for you, Messi-ah.”

The 34-year-old is expected to make his Inter Miami debut in early August. In the meantime, he is continuing to train and prepare for the upcoming season.