Lionel Messi's bodyguard sprints onto the pitch and puts pitch invader in headlock

Lionel Messi's bodyguard was called into action during Inter Miami's victory over Los Angeles FC.

Messi's side returned to action on Sunday as they beat LAFC in a Major League Soccer clash.

The Florida-based outfit beat LAFC 3-1 at the BMO Stadium, with Facundo Faroas, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana all getting on the score-sheet.

The Argentine didn't score but he registered not one but two brilliant assists as he set up Alba and Campana.

A host of celebrities were in attendance to watch the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. From Prince Harry and LeBron James to Will Ferrell and Selena Gomez.

Fans at the game also tried to get as close as possible to Messi, with one supporter invading the pitch.

In the 73rd minute, a fan donning a Barcelona shirt with Messi's name and number on the back sprinted onto the field of play.

As he approached the 36-year-old, the superstar forward's bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, sprinted and managed to intervene as he grabbed the person by the neck before dragging him away.

Security eventually made their way to the scene of the incident and ushered the fan off the pitch.

Chueko was also called into action following the game as he guided Messi to the tunnel, with a fan throwing a bottle in his direction in shocking scenes.

This is so not done!!!! Whoever tried to throw the bottle at Leo Messi should be banned! 😡😡😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/utQS1drfpn

— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) September 4, 2023

Chueko is a former US soldier and is said to have been personally selected by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

He's believed to be an ex-Navy Seal, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and also has extensive experience in MMA.

Chueko is proficient in multiple martial arts and regularly posts footage of him training on his Instagram account, where Messi and Sergio Ramos are among his 113,000 followers.