MLS Bans Lionel Messi’s Bodyguard.
Yassine Cheuko, the bodyguard for Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, has shared that he’s no longer able to assist the soccer star as much as he did before, following a ban by Major League Soccer (MLS).
Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been working with Messi since the player’s move to the U.S. in 2023, when it was deemed necessary for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to have personal security.
Cheuko has frequently been seen at MLS games, often rushing onto the field to intercept fans attempting to get close to Messi. Many of these fans have been tackled before reaching the player.
However, MLS has now limited Cheuko’s involvement, preventing him from stepping onto the field. Instead, he is restricted to providing security behind the scenes.
He told House of Highlights: “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
Reflecting on the issue, Cheuko said, “I worked in Europe for seven years with Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. But in the 20 months I’ve been in the U.S., 16 people have already done it. There’s a serious problem here. I’m not the issue—let me help Messi.”
