Sunday’s Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami and LAFC, attended by Hollywood’s elite, offered more excitement than expected, thanks to Lionel Messi.
The soccer icon, known for his World Cup exploits, played a pivotal role with two assists in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory. However, it was Messi’s bodyguard who stole the spotlight by swiftly neutralizing a rogue fan who breached security and approached the 36-year-old superstar.
While stadium security lagged behind, Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, sprang into action, ensuring the intruder was safely removed, almost resorting to force until assistance arrived.
Inter Miami had enlisted Chueko’s services to protect Messi upon his arrival in the United States.
Watch the incident unfold below:
A Barcelona and Messi fan rushed onto the field to embrace #Messi, but Messi's bodyguard proved faster. #LAFCvMIA #LAFC #InterMiamiFC pic.twitter.com/LlJodNIif7
— Love Anne Shop (@shoploveanne) September 4, 2023
Messi’s bodyguard was having none of it.. ? pic.twitter.com/FaAgTrvFXi
— Gavin McHugh (@gavinmchughh) September 4, 2023
Notably, Yassine Chueko boasts a background as a former Navy SEAL with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to his experience as a former MMA fighter.
Among the high-profile attendees at the match were Lakers All-Star LeBron James, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
The star-studded crowd also featured LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell, along with actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, Owen Wilson, Mario Lopez, and Edward Norton, as reported by The Daily Mail.
The match set an attendance record for LAFC’s BMO Stadium, with an official count of 22,921 spectators.
With Messi in their ranks, Inter Miami has remained undefeated in their last 11 matches. Messi himself has contributed significantly with 11 goals and eight assists for Miami, as they strive to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, currently sitting eight points adrift with eight regular-season matches remaining.
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