- Jeremy van Dyk
- 1 Comments
When Lionel Andrés Messi, forward for Inter Miami CF celebrated a last‑minute assist that set up Wiggin’s winner, a heated confrontation broke out on the pitch and his personal security team leapt into action.
The drama unfolded at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami Gardens on September 23, 2024, moments after the final whistle of a MLS‑Liga MX friendly that pitted Inter Miami CF against Club Atlas. Video footage posted to YouTube shows an Atlas player lunging toward Messi, prompting the Argentine star’s bodyguard, Esin Chico, to step between them and shield his client.
Background: A high‑stakes friendly turns tense
Both clubs entered the match eager to test squad depth ahead of their respective league seasons. Inter Miami, owned by a consortium led by former Colombian president Jorge Mas, has been using the fixture to integrate new signings, while Atlas, a historic Liga MX side from Guadalajara, viewed the game as a chance to gauge their youngsters against a star‑studded MLS team.
The match was a seesaw affair. Messi, who joined Miami in 2023, opened the scoring early, but the game remained level until the 89th minute, when he slipped a perfectly timed pass that ‘narrowly beat the off‑side line by a fraction of a second’ to Wiggin. The forward rounded the keeper and tucked the ball home, sending Inter Miami fans into a frenzy.
What sparked the post‑match showdown?
Celebrations on the field quickly turned sour. According to eyewitness accounts, Messi and teammate Rodrigo Depal marched toward the Atlas bench, raising their arms in a gesture that many interpreted as taunting. A single Atlas player—identified by commentators as midfielder Juan Soto—charged at them, shouting something that the footage couldn’t clearly capture.
Depal tried to respond, but Atlas teammates formed a barrier, pulling him back. Amid the chaos, Chico moved in, positioning himself directly between Messi and the agitated Atlas player, arms outstretched to create a physical buffer.
Security response: Bodyguards vs. players
Chico’s intervention was swift and measured. He did not retaliate; instead, he used his training to defuse the tension, stepping back and gesturing for calm. The Atlas player, momentarily startled, stepped away, allowing the referee and match officials to restore order.
Security cameras captured the brief but tense standoff: Messi, visibly surprised but composed, stayed close to his bodyguard while teammates and officials formed a protective ring. The incident lasted roughly 30 seconds before officials ushered both squads toward the locker rooms.
Reactions from the clubs and players
In the aftermath, Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino issued a statement emphasizing respect: “Football is a passion, not a battlefield. We expect all parties to keep emotions in check.” The club also praised Chico’s professionalism, noting he followed the organization’s security protocol to the letter.
Atlas’ sporting director Ignacio Ortiz expressed regret over the incident, saying, “We apologize to Messi and Inter Miami. Our players were caught up in the excitement, and we will address the conduct internally.”
Meanwhile, Messi himself showed a contrasting side of sportsmanship earlier in the match. After the goal, he handed his jersey to Atlas goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, a gesture that was caught on camera and greeted with applause from both benches.
Why this matters for MLS security protocols
High‑profile players like Messi bring worldwide attention, and with that comes heightened security needs. This scuffle underlines how quickly emotions can spill over, especially after a dramatic finish. MLS security officials have long advocated for stricter post‑match monitoring, and the incident may prompt a review of escort procedures for star athletes.
Sports‑security expert Dr. Alicia Gómez of the University of Miami notes, “Bodyguards are trained to protect, not provoke. Chico’s restraint exemplifies best‑in‑class protective tactics—maintaining distance while de‑escalating.” She adds that clubs could benefit from joint training sessions with league officials to standardize response actions.
Historical perspective: When star players have been targeted
Messi isn’t the first superstar to face aggression after a match. In 2004, Cristiano Ronaldo was shoved by a rival’s player in a La Liga showdown, leading to a three‑match ban for the aggressor. More recently, in 2022, Kylian Mbappé endured a verbal barrage from opposing fans after a Champions League final, prompting UEFA to tighten fan‑behavior rules.
Each episode fuels the debate over whether leagues should enforce stricter penalties on players who instigate on‑field disputes. The Inter Miami‑Atlas incident adds another data point for researchers tracking how often post‑match altercations involve bodyguards.
What’s next? Upcoming fixtures and potential fallout
Both clubs have busy schedules ahead. Inter Miami will host Atlanta United on October 3, while Atlas travels to Monterrey the following week. Neither organization has announced disciplinary measures, but sources close to the league suggest a review will take place before the next matchday.
Fans are already speculating on social media. Some argue Messi’s celebration was needlessly provocative; others defend his right to enjoy a victory. The conversation is likely to swirl until the league releases an official report.
Key Facts
- Date: September 23, 2024
- Location: DRV PNK Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- Event: Inter Miami CF vs. Club Atlas (friendly)
- Trigger: Messi’s 89th‑minute assist leading to Wiggin’s winner
- Security response: Bodyguard Esin Chico intervened, preventing a physical altercation
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this incident affect Inter Miami’s security policies?
The club is expected to review its post‑match escort procedures, likely tightening coordination between on‑field staff and private security. Analysts predict new guidelines will emphasize rapid de‑escalation tactics similar to those demonstrated by Chico.
Who was the Atlas player that confronted Messi?
Match commentators identified the aggressor as midfielder Juan Soto. While his exact words were unclear, video shows him lunging toward Messi immediately after the goal celebration.
What was the reaction from MLS officials?
MLS has not issued a formal statement yet, but league insiders say the incident will be reviewed by the competition’s security committee before the next matchday.
Did Messi face any disciplinary action?
As of now, no sanctions have been announced. The league’s disciplinary panel will assess whether his celebration violated conduct rules.
Why was Messi’s jersey gift to Camilo Vargas significant?
The gesture showcased sportsmanship amid a heated rivalry, reminding viewers that respect can coexist with competition. It also helped soften the atmosphere before the later altercation.
1 Comments
Wow, that was wild! Seeing Messi’s guard jump in felt like a scene from an action movie. It’s crazy how emotions can flare up even after a friendly. I’m just glad nobody got hurt. The security guys did a solid job keeping the peace.