"I was hired by David Beckham to protect Messi on and off the pitch" - Inter Miami have hired ex-soldier and MMA fighter to protect Lionel Messi from pitch invaders

Inter Miami has recruited a former military and MMA fighter to safeguard Lionel Messi.

When the Argentine superstar celebrates, his ripped bodyguard even follows him across the field. 

The bodyguard has been seen by spectators multiple times, and he was recently seen rushing along the side of the field during a victory against Cincinnati.

Following Leonardo Campana's goal, Messi ran to the side of the pitch to celebrate with his teammates.

The personal security guy was forced to run out of the dugout and take up a position close to the star player as a result.

Chueko is a former navy seal who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He has experience in MMA and has received martial arts training.

The former Barcelona and PSG player seemed to be loving every second of his time in MLS. In his first eight games, he has already scored 10 goals.

Inter Miami has already won the Leagues Cup after defeating Nashville on penalties, and on September 27 they will play Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final.