I’m an ex-soldier and MMA fighter hired by Beckham to protect Messi

DAVID BECKHAM has hired a former soldier and MMA fighter to protect Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

The Argentinian legend is being watched by his new security man and even sees his ripped bodyguard follow him around the pitch when he celebrates.

Messi has arrived in the US to mass fanfare and Inter Miami have gone to huge lengths to ensure his safety.

Fans have picked up on bodyguard Yassine Chueko's presence several times and he was spotted running down the side of the pitch during a win over Cincinnati.

Messi went to celebrate with his team-mates just off the side of the field after Leonardo Campana scored.

It led to the personal security guard sprinting from the dugout to take up a position not far from the star man.

Messi was also earlier followed closely off the team bus by Chueko.

He is a former Navy Seal with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He is also trained in martial arts and has fought in many MMA bouts.

It has been reported that he was especially brought to the club by owner David Beckham.

It comes after a security breach saw a fan enter the pitch and run up to Messi last month.

On the pitch, Inter Miami have gone eight matches unbeaten since the introductions of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The 2022 World Cup winner, who is earning up to £47m a year with Miami, has scored ten goals in eight games so far.

Inter Miami have also already won the Leagues Cup by beating Nashville also via penalties and they will face Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on September 27 after Messi helped them complete another memorable comeback.