Lionel Messi’s bodyguard grabs the fan by the neck as he yanks him away from the world champion after the field invader tried to hug him in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, who is tasked with protecting football’s biggest star, took no chances as he springed into action on Sunday night when a fan ran onto the pitch.

During Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Los Angeles FC on Sunday night, a spectator stormed the field and ran straight for the world champions.

However, Messi’s bodyguard quickly stepped in to defend his charge and grabbed the field intruder by the neck.

The fan, wearing a Barcelona shirt, successfully made it up to the striker and even managed to wrap his arms around him and try to hug the soccer superstar.

But Messi’s guard managed to yank the intruder away, practically strangling him in the process, before two staff arrived to escort him away.

A field intruder tried to hug Lionel Messi during Inter Miami’s win on Sunday night

The World Champion’s bodyguard quickly jumped into action and snatched the trailer away

The incident didn’t seem to distract Messi as he provided two assists as the Herons defeated the reigning MLS Cup champions.

Messi made a lucrative move to Inter Miami this summer after ending his tumultuous spell in France with PSG and traveling to the United States at the age of 36 to experience a new league and culture.

But the David Beckham-owned franchise not only lured one of football’s all-time greats to Miami, it also apparently hired one of the most vigilant bodyguards around to protect him.

The observant bodyguard was previously spotted watching Messi as he entered and exited the pitch.

Miami announced its plans to increase security ahead of Messi’s arrival, drawing a level of attention not seen in US football since David Beckham’s 2007 deal with LA Galaxy.

Speaking to the Miami Herald back in June, owner Jorge Mas, who spearheaded the charm offensive to bring Messi to the States, said: “The security will obviously be increased.” The players will be taken by bus through a tunnel. All these security protocols are already prepared for both here and on the go. And that doesn’t just apply to our games.

The bodyguard practically strangled the intruder as he dragged him away from the soccer star

However, the incident didn’t seem to distract the Argentine as he provided two assists

“It’s going to be an everyday occurrence and something that we’ve seen and I thought was handled very well when (Messi) was here with Argentina ahead of the World Cup.”

“As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before flying to Doha.” We had the opportunity to see some of the Messi mania outside our doors every day during training. So we are well prepared. We have prepared for it.’

It wasn’t long before Messi-mania swept the United States and the Argentina captain had been harassed by fans on several occasions since moving to the country.

One even approached him in his car and received a kiss from his hero while waiting in traffic.