Lionel Messi has often been followed closely by bodyguard Yassine Cheuko in recent years but now the former Navy SEAL and MMA fighter has revealed he is not allowed on the touchline during Inter Miami games
Lionel Messi‘s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has revealed he has been banned from the touchline at Inter Miami – but insists the Argentine faces a “huge problem” with pitch invaders that must be resolved. Messi can often be seen flanked by former Navy SEAL Cheuko and videos have gone viral showing him restraining fans who have tried to get close to the World Cup winner.
Messi has worked with Cheuko since his time with Paris Saint-Germain, where the imposing figure often acted as a deterrent for fans planning to rush onto the pitch and see the superstar in the flesh. He followed the 37-year-old to the United States when he sealed a move to David Beckham‘s team and has rarely stayed out of the headlines. Videos have circulated on social media showing him tackling fans who have made their way onto the pitch.
Fans have been left in stitches after claiming Cheuko “covers more ground than most footballers” at Inter Miami games after seeing him charge onto the pitch to protect the ex-Barcelona star.
On a rare occasion last month, Cheuko failed to apprehend a supporter who had invaded the pitch making a beeline for Messi during Miami’s 3-1 win over Sporting San Miguelito.
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The bodyguard had sprinted onto the field to intercept him but the man in question sent him to the floor after slipping and managed to reach Messi.
Now Cheuko has claimed he is no longer allowed to patrol the touchline because the MLS have arranged their own security to protect players. But he feels they are not doing a good enough job after a rising number of pitch-invading incidents.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” Cheuko told the media. told Spanish media. “I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA and in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so. There’s a huge problem here, 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 is a trained MMA fighter who often shows off his ripped physique on Instagram and has even been linked to fights against Logan Paul in the past.
He will reportedly only be allowed in the changing room and mixed zones during the game, despite being hand-picked by Beckham to protect Messi on matchdays.
It’s no surprise that Messi is so sought after by supporters given the incredible career he has enjoyed, winning every major trophy he has competed for, scoring a total of 930 goals and dazzling fans with his amazing skills.
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