Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has revealed that Major League Soccer (MLS) has banned him from stepping onto the field during games.
Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been Messi’s security detail since the football icon moved to Inter Miami in 2023. His presence became a necessity due to Messi’s global fame, which has led to numerous pitch invasions by overenthusiastic fans attempting to get close to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cheuko, known for swiftly intercepting pitch invaders, spoke about his new restrictions in an interview with House of Highlights:
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
Security Concerns in MLS
Cheuko also highlighted the alarming rate of pitch invasions in the U.S., comparing it to his experience in European football:
“I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch. There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.”
With Cheuko now limited to off-field security, it remains to be seen how Inter Miami and MLS will handle Messi’s safety going forward—especially as fan enthusiasm continues to reach unprecedented levels in the league.
