Since Lionel Messi’s transition to Inter Miami in the United States, his talent has garnered even more attention, as he continues to make waves in MLS after his time with Barcelona.
For fans who may not have been fully aware of his remarkable skills, they are now witnessing them firsthand. While many interesting aspects of Messi’s game have caught people’s attention, an intriguing element off the pitch has also piqued interest – his new enigmatic bodyguard.
Footage of this bodyguard accompanying the former Paris Saint-Germain player has become a sensation on social media. In one video, the bodyguard can be seen closely shadowing Messi along the touchline during a match, mirroring his every move.
— News & Cruise (@OjoduTimes) August 12, 2023
If you tune in to an Inter Miami match, it’s hard to miss the presence of this figure, tailing Messi like an unobtrusive shadow. Whether it’s during matches or within the stadium premises, this guardian is consistently by the superstar’s side, though his identity remains shrouded in mystery for the public.
His name isn’t even public knowledge right now, but we’re here to give you as much information about the figure that we possibly can.
He was hired by David Beckham specifically for Messi
David Beckham introduced this enigmatic bodyguard to Inter Miami’s setup following Lionel Messi’s arrival at the club. The primary objective of this figure is to provide protection to Messi during matchdays.
Whether it involves accompanying Messi from the team coach to the changing rooms or closely monitoring his movements along the touchline during matches, the bodyguard maintains a constant and vigilant presence by the Argentine’s side. Evidently, he takes his responsibility seriously.
This approach is not only logical but also surprising that more clubs haven’t adopted similar measures in recent times, considering the growing frequency of pitch invasions in football.
Instances like the assault on Jack Grealish by a Birmingham fan during his Aston Villa days serve as stark reminders of how swiftly a player can be vulnerable to attacks on the pitch.
Beckham’s decision to safeguard Messi’s security in Miami demonstrates his unwillingness to take any chances in this regard.
There are rumours about Messi’s bodyguard and his background
The appearance of a figure as enigmatic as Messi’s bodyguard naturally gives rise to swift rumors and speculative stories about his background.
One prevailing rumor suggests that the individual in question is a former American special forces officer, potentially with experience on the frontlines serving his country in both Iraq and Afghanistan. However, these details remain unverified and speculative at this point.
Given the immense magnitude of Messi’s fame and influence, the notion of entrusting his safety to an individual with a substantial combat-oriented background aligns with logic.
The significance of safeguarding a global football icon like Messi cannot be overstated, and Inter Miami’s proactive approach to this matter is unmistakable.
A specific video underscores this dedication to Messi’s protection. In the footage, the individual is seen positioned by the entrance of the club’s team coach.
He discreetly allows several Inter Miami players to pass by before Messi emerges. Swiftly falling in step behind the star player, he accompanies Messi into the arena, exemplifying the level of vigilance and commitment involved in his role.
Anyone else noticed Leo Messi’s bodyguard?
He was hired by Inter Miami 🫡
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) August 17, 2023
Inter Miami’s director Jorge Mas spoke about the situation
Amidst the widespread coverage of Messi’s arrival at Miami, it’s worth noting that he’s not the sole footballing legend the club has secured this summer. Alongside him, former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have also joined Inter Miami’s ranks.
With this trio of renowned players entering the fold, the spotlight on the club intensified significantly, surpassing any previous attention they had received. This elevated visibility came with an awareness of potential security concerns, a fact that didn’t escape the notice of the club’s director, Jorge Mas. He understood the necessity of addressing and managing potential risks associated with this newfound attention.
Speaking to theMiami Heraldabout the situation in June, he said: “Security will obviously be enhanced. Players will be bussed in, going through a tunnel.”
The security wouldn’t just be provided during games, though, with Mas saying: “All of those security protocols are already prepared both for here and away. And it’s not only for our games. It’s going to be an everyday occurrence and something we witnessed, and I thought handled very well when (Messi) was here with Argentina before the World Cup.
“As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before they flew over to Doha. We had an opportunity to see some of the Messi mania at our doors on an everyday basis during practice. So, we’re very prepared. We’ve been getting ready for this.”
It makes sense that the club would prioritise their players and their security. We’ve already seen a fan invade the pitch during one of Messi’s first games for Miami, so it’s not hard to believe that similar situations may arise soon, so the decision to keep a bodyguard on hand nearby makes a whole lot of sense.
One fine example of him acting quickly was in the video below, where after following Messi’s movements along the touchline throughout the game, the bodyguard immediately rushes onto the pitch and to the star’s side, protecting him after the final whistle is blown and numerous figures enter the field.
Messi’s bodyguard walking up and down the pitch with him after that fan ran on the field. This guy probably doesn’t get paid enough 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/QD1hIOJ2eI
— R (@Lionel30i) August 19, 2023