Messi’s bodyguard shows human side by allowing pitch invader get to superstar

Lionel Messi's bodyguard has looked more machine than man since joining forces with the little Argentine earlier this year – but there is a heart beneath his Terminator-like frame.

The MMA-trained behemoth, whose name is Yassine Chueko, was on duty at the side of the pitch as Messi made his return from injury during Inter Miami's defeat to Cincinnati last night. After the game, he N'Golo Kante'd himself between the Ballon d'Or frontrunner and a young pitch-invader looking for a once in a lifetime selfie, but in a heartwarming twist, he then led the boy over to his client.

Messi happily obliged and posed for a photo with the fan, who was wearing both an Inter Miami top with Messi's name on it and a Barcelona baseball cap. Chueko, who never took his hand off the boy, then whisked him away and into the arms of stadium security.

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Fans leaped onto social media to lavish Chueko with praise for making the youngster's day. One X user wrote: "What a legend. That kid will never forget that moment." Another added: "Bodyguard both doing his job and showing that he's human. Perfect balance. Worth the money."

Chueko has been watching Messi like a hawk since the ex-PSG superstar arrived at the club in July, having been personally selected by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. The 33-year-old stands on the touchline during Messi's matches and follows him up and down the pitch, waiting to intercept star struck pitch invaders.

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He also travels with the team to and from games and is usually seen just a few feet behind Messi scanning (Xavi-style) for any potential dangers. It's understood Beckham hired him amidst a concerning rise in the number of pitch invaders in the past few years.

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It was a disappointing night for Messi and Miami in the end as their hopes of making the end of season Play-Offs were officially dashed following their 1-0 defeat to Cincinnati. Messi came off the bench 10 minutes into the second half, making this the first time Miami have lost a match with him on the pitch.

Despite playing just five MLS games, Messi was nominated for the division's MVP award earlier this week – and he has a decent chance of winning it too. The Barcelona legend has scored 11 goals in 13 games since arriving in the US, and helped Miami win their very first trophy, the Leagues Cup, back in August.

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