Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has pleaded with the MLS to reverse the rule banning him from pitchside.
Chueko has become a familiar presence at Inter Miami’s games, patrolling the sidelines to keep a close eye on one of the world’s most famous athletes. It is not without reason, as several overexcited fans have confronted Messi since moving stateside in July 2023.
Those encounters have led to increasing interest in Cheuko, who now commands more than one million followers on Instagram, where he posts clips of his workouts. Despite his close ties to Messi, Cheuko has recently been forced to take more of a backseat role after a change to MLS rules.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” the bodyguard told House of Highlights. “I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch.
“I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch. There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.
“I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It’s fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better.”
Cheuko’s work with Messi started before the World Cup winner’s move to Inter Miami. He previously worked at Paris Saint-Germain, and his spell in France predated Messi’s surprise move from Barcelona in 2021.
However, Cheuko’s remit is not solely to be on the lookout for threats when Messi is playing. It is also to protect him and his family away from the sport. He is rumored to lead a 50-person security team, which sees him earn $250,000 per month, equating to an annual salary of $3 million.
The bodyguard is a former MMA fighter who is claimed to have a background in boxing and taekwondo, giving him the requisite skills to protect Messi on the field. It has previously been speculated that Cheuko is also a former US Navy SEAL, but this has been disputed.
“The reality is that so many people invent stories that end up causing problems for the protagonists involved,” former Inter Miami boss Tata Martino told The Athletic. “He had never been to the United States. He wasn’t in the war or part of the US military. All of those reports about him over the past weeks are all false.”
(Image: Simon Bruty)
Chueko’s lack of online presence before working for Messi has led to multiple claims about the bodyguard’s background. However, even with the downsides to working in the spotlight, Chueko relishes his job working by Messi’s side.
“I feel like I’m part of his family, and I’m working hard to protect him,” Chueko admitted. “Not only physically but also psychologically, because he trusts me a lot and depends on me, and I give him all my attention. He’s very humble.”
His desire to protect Messi also led Chueko to respond to Logan Paul, who joked that he wanted to meet the soccer star in the boxing ring due to a copyright legal battle. “Messi doesn’t even know who this guy is,” Chueko said. “If Logan really wants a fight, he can fight me, not a football player.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
