Lionel Messi helps young fan after he invades pitch during Inter Miami's MLS clash against Charlotte FC

Lionel Messi helped a young pitch invader evade security during Saturday night's clash between Inter Miami and Charlotte – and fan footage of the incident has gone viral.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his 15th goal of the MLS season as Inter Miami maintained their eight-match unbeaten run in the league.

It was a superb effort from the Argentine, who would once again hit a Marvel-inspired celebration, this time in tribute to Iron Man.

Back in August last year – after finding the net in a clash against Orlando City – Messi crossed his arms on his chest, paying tribute to Black Panther's Wakanda Forever sign.

MLS, alongside Adidas, confirmed a partnership with Marvel last summer.

Away from his celebrations and Messi produced another viral moment during the clash against Charlotte, when a young fan sprinted onto the Chase Stadium pitch for a selfie.

As you can see from the footage below, Messi was quick to pose with the boy and seconds later, he pushed him away to avoid the onrushing security guard.

It was a much-needed head start for the youngster, which helped him outrun the guards.

"Lionel Messi really told this young fan to hurry up and take the picture, and then gave him a push in the back to help him outrun security," wrote X account USMNT Only. "Messi a real one for this."

Messi telling a fan to quickly come take his picture and then run because security is coming 😂

pic.twitter.com/MCKAeBdhop

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) September 29, 2024

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.

One said: "Wish more people were like Messi in this situation," and another commented: "How can you not love this man."

A third wrote: "Messi noticed the arrival of security and said to the pitch invader - "Run". Messi is too precious man."

A fourth said: "Messi telling a fan to quickly come take his picture and then run because security is coming. What a human," whilst a fifth added: "Messi is truly priceless."

Ahead of Saturday's clash, Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino has backed his team to reach the play-offs with the help of Messi, who has been one of the club's standout performers this season.

“Leo is going to get better and better with each 90 minutes,” said Martino. “Leo does not need to do separate work in training but he needs a rhythm of competition.

“If he continues to play 90 minutes, I feel he will get to the play-offs [starting on October 26] in very good shape."

Martino added: "In addition to the games with us, he has the games with the Argentina national team, so we have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good form.”