Lionel Messi's navy-trained bodyguard gives young fan a moment he'd never forget

Posted Monday, October 09, 2023 by sportbible

Lionel Messi's bodyguard has been in the news prior to this, as the former Navy seal had been appointed to protect the star at all costs.

The MMA fighter has been filmed running with Messi on the touchline in the past, ensuring he is ready to protect the Argentinian from any potential pitch invaders who may want a photo or signature.

Off the pitch, he has also been filmed protecting the star from any fans or individuals who may try to cause a nuisance for Messi when he is trying to get home after a game, for instance.

In this latest episode, Messi's bodyguard has been filmed stopping a young fan from getting to the forward after the full-time whistle, holding back the boy after he ran onto the pitch and towards his idol.

After a short exchange of words with the boy, the bodyguard brought the Messi fanatic over to his hero, where he allowed him to take a selfie and get the ex-Barcelona man to sign his Inter Miami top.

The bodyguard then hurriedly escorted the boy off the pitch, almost forgetting to take the pen back from Messi in the process.

There were mixed views on this incident from fans, as one said: "That's cool. But, I think this still encourages fans to do the same thing."

Another said: "Don't encourage them"

One fan even found the humour in it, saying: "Super dangerous precedent"

Nevertheless, it will be a moment that the young fan will never forget despite the rushed nature of the encounter, as Messi's bodyguard did his job.

The match that had just finished was not a positive one for Messi and his new team, as Inter Miami succumbed to a 0-1 home defeat against FC Cincinnati in the MLS.

It elongates the side's winless run following on from their heart-breaking U.S Open Cup loss to Houston Dynamo, though Inter Miami's poor form can be explained in part due to the absence of their talisman who has been struggling with a muscle injury.