Messi’s longtime bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has apparently been banned from running on the field during Inter Miami games, and the soccer superstar isn’t happy about it. In the past few years, Cheuko has become a viral sensation for the way he protects Messi during games.
👮♂️🇦🇷 During Inter Miami matches, Leo Messi is followed by an ex-US Navy Seal for maximum security.
The bodyguard is a martial arts, boxer and taekwondo expert. He can be seen even following him during matches. pic.twitter.com/Gl8n1UzHXV
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 24, 2023
During a recent interview with House of Highlights, Cheuko revealed that he was no longer allowed on the field and are instead using their own security detail to protect Messi and other players.
“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,” Cheuko said.
“I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping,” he added. “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.”
According to The Athletic, Messi is not pleased with the fact that his bodyguard isn’t allowed on the field during games.
“It’s been the case all year long,” said one source, who requested anonymity over not being authorized to discuss the matter. “(Lionel and Yassine) are quite upset about it — (Yassine) has always been really critical of all of the other security (across MLS) and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn’t even be needed.”
The Athletic reports that Inter Miami decided to pull Cheuko off the field.
Inter Miami, in turn, confirmed to The Athletic that it was a club decision to limit Cheuko’s movements on match day. Cheuko is still an Inter Miami employee and can follow MLS security policies and protocols.