Watch: Lionel Messi's bodyguard allows young pitch invader fan to meet superstar

From running down the sideline to keeping a close vigil after the match, Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard Yassine Chueko has been everywhere of late.

Chueko recently exhibited a, hitherto unknown, side of his after allowing a young pitch invader to have an interaction with Messi. The incident took place at the DRV PNK Stadium in Florida after Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday.

After the full-time whistle, a young fan entered the pitch escaping stewards and security personnel. He seemed quite determined to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi but was eventually stopped by Chueko. Finally, the former US soldier changed his mind and decided to allow the young fan to take a picture with the FIFA World Cup champion.

A video of the heartwarming incident went viral on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and in no time fans started praising Chueko for his kind-hearted gesture.

“Love people that take their job seriously,” wrote a user.

Echoing a similar sentiment, another said, “He did well. It was his duty to protect Messi.”

This person jokingly said, “This guy is super alert, he could intercept a bee.”

“Great to see a young kid having his dream come true,” wrote another.

• Israel-Palestine conflict: Palestine football team quits Malaysia cup