Lionel Messi Melts Hearts After Asking Pitch Invader to Run: ‘Truly the GOAT’

• Lionel Messi earned some plaudits online after he was spotted telling a young pitch invader to run away from stewards
• Messi was on target against Charlotte on 29 September to help Inter Miami inch closer to securing the number-one seed playoffs spot
• The record Ballon d'Or winner is on course to help the David Beckham-owned side win their first Major League Soccer trophy

Lionel Messi melted the hearts of fans online after he protected a pitch invader who wanted to get a picture with him.

Messi was part of Inter Miami's team that faced Charlotte FC as the league matches of the Major League Soccer entered into its homestretch.

Polish forward Karol Swiderski opened the scoring for Charlotte, but Messi equalised later on with a trademark finish. It was his 15th goal in 16 league appearances this season.

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As it has become the norm throughout his illustrious career, a fan evaded the stewards and dashed Messi to get a picture with him.

Messi tells pitch invader to run from stewards

In the video that has since gone viral, Messi is seen accepting the picture request before telling the young boy to run as the stewards closed in on him.

His latest act has earned him plaudits from fans online.

Reactions to the video:

Here are some of the responses to the video.

@MrSoccer:

"Man is still assisting even with a fan."

@Shawn_Xyy:

"If Messi tells me to run, I'll run faster than Usain Bolt."

@maxstephh:

"He would have told him to dive and ask for penalty."

@BasheerTK:

"How can you hate this man."

@DipakAgrahari3:

"Very kind man, Messi."

@hNWA:

"Man is still assisting even with a fan."

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@BlaugraneSam:

"Bro pushed him to give a boost."

@victors4love3:

"I love this."

What next for Messi's Inter Miami

The point left Tata Martino's side on 65 points at the top of the Eastern Conference with only three games to go. The Herons have already confirmed their place in the league playoffs.

Inter Miami plays Columbus on Wednesday, and a win there would confirm their place as the number-one seed for the playoffs.

Messi's new celebration

Briefly News also reported that Messi unveiled a new celebration after scoring against Charlotte FC.

Messi drew inspiration from the Marvel universe. After finding the back of the net, he struck an Iron Man pose, leaving spectators and social media abuzz.

Source: TUKO.co.ke