Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko banned from touchline at Inter Miami upcoming games

Yassine Cheuko, famous as the bodyguard of ace footballer Lionel Messi, will no longer be allowed to protect the Argentina forward from the touchline in the upcoming matches of Inter Miami.

Cheuko will no longer be able to help Messi as much as he did earlier since he has now been banned by the MLS, Goal.com reported.

What happened?

The Major League Soccer (MLS) will now be taking full control of the matchday security. This means that the former Navy SEAL will now only have permission to be in the locker room and mixed zones, ESPN reported.


"They don't allow me to be on the field anymore," Cheuko told House of Highlights.

However, Cheuko seems to be unhappy with this decision. He shared that he used to work for the Ligue 1 and the Champions League in Europe for seven years.

Highlighting that only six people invaded the pitch in the seven year span, he has now witnessed 16 such invasions in a matter of 20 months since travelling to the United States. "There's a huge problem here, let me help Messi," he added.

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Internet sensation

Cheuko has become hugely popular on social media, where several videos have gone viral in recent times featuring him keeping a track of Messi's movement through his games. During the play, Cheuko used to keep a close watch on the people in the crowd to avoid any potential pitch invaders from halting the match or causing any harm to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

There have been multiple occasions when Cheuko was seen chasing down fans from trying to get close to Messi. However, this became a significant issue ever since Messi shifted his base to the US to play for Inter Miami.

Who is Yassine Cheuko?

According to Independent, Cheuko was a Navy SEAL earlier and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He even had a short career as an MMA fighter before getting roped in as Messi’s bodyguard.

His journey with Messi began during the footballer's time in Paris Saint-Germain. Thereafter, he was reportedly recommended to Inter Miami president David Beckham after Messi's arrival in MLS.

Cheuko believes that MLS should rather think of a more collaborative solution to the problem, keeping all concerned parties in mind.

Cheuko said he loves MLS and Concacaf, but added that they need to "work together”.

Highlighting his "wealth of experience in Europe," he said that he does understand their side, but thinks "we could do better.”

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FAQs

1. Will Yassine Cheuko continue to serve as Messi's bodyguard?
Cheuko said he'll continue to be with the footballer outside of the stadiums.

2. When will Inter Miami play next?
The tem will take on LAFC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash on Wednesday.