Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Praised After Protecting Pitch Invader From Stewards

• Lionel Messi has been praised after he appeared to protect a pitch invader
• He made his first appearance since March 14 in Inter Miami's latest match
• A young girl stormed the pitch to get a selfie with the iconic Argentina star

Lionel Messi has earned plaudits after he was heard trying to protect a girl who had invaded the pitch to get a picture with him.

The Inter Miami star made his long-awaited return from injury on April 7, helping his side to a two-all draw against Colorado Rapids. He has been out with a muscle injury since March 14, missing out on four games.

Inter Miami head coach, Tata Martino, introduced him after the break with his side trailing to a Rafael Navarro first-half penalty.

It took the Argentine star only 12 minutes to store parity before Leonardo Afonso fired the Herons ahead two minutes later.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe: Michael Olunga stars again as Harambee Stars wins Four Nations Tournament

Football

However, the David Beckham-owned franchise were pegged back by an 88th-minute equaliser from Cole Bassett.

At the start of stoppage time, a young girl evaded the stewards and ran to Messi, who was near the opposition box. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was visibly surprised by the invader but obliged to her selfie request before stewards swarmed her.

Did Messi protect pitch invader from stewards?

Another angle of the video shows Messi swinging the girl to his side to avoid her getting hurt by the stewards. A person is also heard saying 'run', with fans convinced it was the former Barcelona captain asking the invader to literally run for her life.

Pitch invasions are seriously frowned on. Stewards are often on alert to prevent such interference. Additionally, Messi has his own bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, whose work is to ensure no one touches the 2022 World Cup winner.

Poland beat Wales on 'cruel' penalties to qualify for Euro 2024

Football

@ThatWasMessi said:

"The fact that he even agreed to take a selfie while the score was 2-2 in the 90th minute is crazy. He's never bad towards his fans, too good of a human."

@Saino_snm said:

"Did I hear 'Run Run Run' ?? I'll never get used to hearing Messi English."

@ClassifiedCrab said:

"He is so unintentionally cute and funny. We are not worthy."

Despite Messi's efforts, the girl was still taken away by the stewards as the crowd roared her on.

The veteran's next task will be to lead his side to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on April 11. Inter Miami trail 2-1 and will need their captain to be in top form to make it to the last four.

Mohamed Salah's love for Messi

Sports Brief has also reported on Liverpool superstar, Mohamed Salah, professing his love for Messi.

Brazil draw six-goal thriller with Spain as Endrick, Yamal dazzle

Football

The winger was tasked to name his favourite Argentine player and settled on the celebrated forward.

The Egyptian also mentioned his teammate, Alexis Mac Allister, and retired player, Gabriel Batistuta.