The internet is buzzing with the latest saga involving YouTube sensation Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, and his relentless quest to connect with football legend Lionel Messi. In a whirlwind of events that unfolded during Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly on June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium, IShowSpeed’s dramatic efforts to meet his idol took a shocking turn. Fans are calling it one of the most chaotic and emotional moments in recent sports and streaming history, blending passion, persistence, and a touch of controversy.

IShowSpeed, a 20-year-old streaming star known for his high-energy antics and unwavering loyalty to Cristiano Ronaldo, made headlines when he reportedly embarked on an epic 1000km sprint through traffic to attend a meet-and-greet with Messi. The journey, which has sparked countless memes and discussions across social media, was fueled by Speed’s determination to see the Argentine icon in person. This wasn’t the first time Speed and Messi’s paths crossed—previously, Speed famously declared to Messi’s face that “Ronaldo is better than him,” a bold moment that set the stage for their latest encounter.

On the night of the match, anticipation was high as Inter Miami faced off against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in a tightly contested 0-0 draw. Speed, decked out in a Cristiano Ronaldo shirt, joined a line of fans and officials hoping to catch a moment with Messi before the game. As the Inter Miami captain approached, greeting former football legends like Pepe with warm embraces, Speed’s excitement reached a fever pitch. He screamed Messi’s name, trying to grab his attention. But in a moment that left fans stunned, Messi appeared to walk past Speed without so much as a glance, heading straight to the field to prepare for the match. Social media erupted, with posts on X capturing the moment: “Messi saw IShowSpeed calling him, looked at him, and ignored him,” one user wrote, sharing a clip that quickly went viral.

Undeterred, Speed made a bold move to get closer, attempting to force a handshake with the football star. This prompted a swift reaction from Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, a figure who has become nearly as famous as his charge for his no-nonsense approach to security. Cheuko, a mixed martial artist known for sprinting onto the field to intercept pitch invaders, issued a stern warning to Speed, reportedly threatening to eject him from the stadium if he continued. Speed later admitted on his stream, “I was about to go up to him, and the bodyguard was like, ‘What are you doing?’” The interaction left Speed visibly shaken, with the streamer confessing to his chat, “I was just dumb close to Messi, bro. I’m scared.”

The incident has reignited debates about Messi’s interactions with fans and the intense security measures surrounding him. Cheuko, who has been banned from Inter Miami’s sidelines since April 2025 due to MLS regulations, remains a formidable presence off the field. His vigilance has been praised by some for protecting Messi from overzealous fans but criticized by others for limiting the star’s accessibility. “Messi’s bodyguard may be the Messi of bodyguards,” one X post quipped, referencing Cheuko’s history of tackling pitch invaders with lightning speed.

For Speed, the snub was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after his Herculean effort to attend the event. The streamer, who has millions of followers across YouTube and Twitch, has built a reputation for his unfiltered reactions and larger-than-life personality. His previous encounter with Messi, where he proclaimed Ronaldo’s superiority, had already made him a polarizing figure among Messi fans. Yet, Speed’s dedication to football and his willingness to go to extreme lengths—like his alleged 1000km sprint—have earned him respect from some corners of the internet. “IShowSpeed gets upset when he notices he also pulled Messi,” one X post noted, capturing his emotional rollercoaster.

The match itself was a tense affair, with Messi nearly stealing the show with a curling long-range shot that hit the crossbar in the final minutes. Despite Inter Miami’s sluggish performance, the focus for many fans shifted to the pre-game drama involving Speed. The viral video of Messi walking past, shared by Speed himself with the caption “Messi aired me 🤦🏽‍♂️,” has racked up millions of views, fueling discussions about celebrity interactions and fan expectations.

This moment underscores the unique intersection of sports, streaming culture, and social media in 2025. Speed’s larger-than-life persona and Messi’s untouchable aura as a global icon created a perfect storm of drama that has captivated audiences worldwide. As Inter Miami prepares for their next Club World Cup match against FC Porto, and Speed continues his streaming adventures, one thing is certain: this encounter will be remembered as a wild chapter in the ongoing saga of IShowSpeed’s quest for football glory.