Messi’s Bodyguard Grabs Pitch Invader Around the Neck As He Tries to Hug Inter Miami Star: Video

• A Lionel Messi fan invaded the pitch at the BMO Stadium on Sunday night to try to meet his idol
• Messi’s bodyguard ripped the fan away from the Inter Miami star as he tried to hug him
• Many celebrities watched Messi and Inter Miami record a 3-1 win over LAFC

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard came to the Argentine star’s rescue on Sunday night after an overzealous fan ran onto the field to try and get up close and personal with the Inter Miami forward.

The incident happened during the second half when the spectator invaded the pitch at the BMO Stadium and made a beeline for Messi.

He managed to hold Messi, but not for long, as the player’s bodyguard leapt to his defence.

Messi's bodyguard means business

Yassine Chueko, the man who has been grabbing the headlines recently for following Messi’s every move while pacing back and forth on the sideline, dashed to the middle of the pitch and grabbed the fan’s neck.

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The pitch invader was already wrapping his arms around the football icon to hug him when Chueko ripped him away, per Goal.com.

He grabbed the fan, who was wearing a Barcelona jersey, around his neck to separate him from Messi. Two staff members eventually escorted him away.

Messi shines in win over LAFC

The surprise interaction didn't distract Messi, who provided two assists in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over the reigning MLS Cup champions, per Yahoo Sports.

His first assist of the contest came in the 51st minute when he delivered a perfect through pass to Jordi Alba, who scored his first-ever goal for Inter Miami.

Messi’s second assist of the night came in the 83rd minute when he set up Leo Campana, who scored with a left-footed strike.

Celebrities turn out for Messi

Sports Brief also reported that celebrities flocked to the BMO Stadium to watch Messi play his first MLS game in California, including Prince Harry.

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A photo of the list of notable attendees for the showdown between Inter Miami and LAFC went viral before the contest.

Hollywood A-listers reported to be in attendance were Leonardo DiCaprio, Gerard Butler, Tom Holland, Jason Sudeikis, Tyga, and Owen Wilson.