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.
pradeep sathe
October 19, 2025 AT 19:15Wow, 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.
ARIJIT MANDAL
October 26, 2025 AT 05:48Messi’s celebration was over the line. Atlas players should keep their cool. No excuse for a charge.
Bikkey Munda
November 1, 2025 AT 17:21The incident shows how high the stakes are even in a friendly match.
The security teams are now part of the game narrative.
When a star like Messi scores, the crowd energy spikes dramatically.
Players on the bench often feed off that energy, sometimes poorly.
A single gesture can be misread as provocation.
In this case the raised arms were seen as taunting by the opposition.
The Atlas midfielder reacted instinctively, which is understandable.
However, a physical charge crosses the line of sportsmanship.
Luckily Esin Chico intervened without escalating the tension.
His calm stance helped de‑escalate before things got worse.
This kind of measured response should be a model for future security protocols.
Leagues could study this footage to train guards on non‑violent intervention.
Fans appreciate when the drama stays on the pitch, not in the locker rooms.
The club statements highlight the importance of respect in football.
Overall, the episode is a reminder that emotions need proper channels in sport.
akash anand
November 8, 2025 AT 04:55The post‑match scene was unprofessional and frankly irritating. Messi’s crew acted like they were above the law, which is unacceptable. The guard’s behavior, although restrained, still escalated the situashun. Players should be taught real respect, not these theatrics. This kind of drama definitely detracts from the sport.
BALAJI G
November 14, 2025 AT 16:28Such incidents underline the need for self‑control on the field. When emotions run high, players must remember their role as ambassadors of the game. Any deviation sets a poor example for young fans.
Manoj Sekhani
November 21, 2025 AT 04:01Honestly this whole episode reads like a badly scripted drama the kind elite clubs love to dramatize the narrative of football is far beyond mere sport it’s a theatre of ego and power
Tuto Win10
November 27, 2025 AT 15:35Can you believe it!!! Messi’s bodyguard leaps into the fray like a superhero!!! The crowd goes wild!!! This is the stuff legends are made of!!! Pure cinematic chaos!!!
Kiran Singh
December 4, 2025 AT 03:08Actually the whole thing could have been avoided if the referee had stepped in earlier. The guard’s involvement was unnecessary and only added fuel to the fire.
anil antony
December 10, 2025 AT 14:41From a tactical standpoint this scuffle is a clear sign of poor cohesion in squad dynamics. The lack of discipline reflects badly on the club’s operational protocols.
Aditi Jain
December 17, 2025 AT 02:15Our nation’s football heritage deserves better than foreign drama. We should celebrate homegrown talent without resorting to spectacle that tarnishes the sport’s dignity.
arun great
December 23, 2025 AT 13:48Great to see the security team handle the situation with composure. De‑escalation tactics are essential for maintaining match integrity. Keep up the professional standards 😊
Anirban Chakraborty
December 30, 2025 AT 01:21It’s disappointing when players forget basic respect. Winning doesn’t give you a free pass to disrespect opponents. Sportsmanship should be the cornerstone of every match.
Krishna Saikia
January 5, 2026 AT 12:55We must stand united for the love of the game and reject any unsportsmanlike conduct. It’s vital that clubs enforce strict codes of conduct to protect the spirit of football.
Meenal Khanchandani
January 12, 2026 AT 00:28Respect on the field is essential.