Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard at Inter Miami, has revealed that he is no longer able to assist the player as he once did, after being banned by Major League Soccer (MLS).
Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been working with Messi since the Argentine’s move to the US in 2023, when it was deemed necessary for the football star to have personal security in America. Cheuko has frequently been seen during MLS matches, where he has intervened to tackle pitch-invading fans trying to get close to Messi.
However, MLS has now restricted Cheuko’s role, limiting him to off-field security duties and barring him from stepping onto the pitch. Cheuko confirmed the restriction, telling House of Highlights: “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
Reflecting on the growing issue with pitch invasions, Cheuko said: “I worked in Europe for seven years, handling security for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. Since I arrived in the United States, 16 people have already invaded the pitch in just 20 months. There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.”
