LIONEL MESSI’S bodyguard left fans stunned after storming onto the field to protect the Argentine from a pitch invader.
The Barcelona legend, 36, scored Inter Miami’s second goal in a 3-2 win over Sporting KC in the MLS on Saturday.
But it was a moment in the first minute of stoppage time that went viral on social media.
With the ball over the other side of the pitch, Messi was minding his own business when a fan ran on to have a moment with the iconic footballer.
The supporter, wearing a “Messi 10” Inter Miami shirt, managed to hug the South American for a couple of seconds.
But he was then swiftly tackled by the Argentina captain’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, after he sprinted onto the pitch at lightning speed.
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It took him less than five seconds to run across two-thirds of the width of the field and diffuse the situation.
And fans were quick to comment on the pace of the bodyguard.
One said: “Give that man a contract 😂🤣.”
Another added: “This man assists Messi more on the pitch than any player during his 2 years at PSG.”
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A third replied: “Draft him in the NFL 😭😂😂.”
A fourth responded: “Faster than Mbappe, could honestly see him playing professional football 😭.”
And a fifth said: “I’ve seen enough, put him in the XI 😭😭😭.”
Meet the bodyguard
Chueko is a former soldier of the United States Army and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Navy Seal, according to La Nacion.
He was recommended to be Messi’s bodyguard by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
However, he is not the only one with the responsibility to keep the footballer safe.
There is reportedly a team of 50 members, led by Chueko, that work around the clock to ensure Messi is kept safe in Miami.
During matches, his responsibilities include patrolling the perimeter of the pitch and monitoring Messi’s every movement.
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Inter Miami sit top of the Eastern Conference with four wins, three draws and two defeats from their opening nine games.
Messi has scored four goals in five games so far this season, taking his tally since arriving in the US to 18 in 22 matches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
