- Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has claimed that he’s now been banned from matches
- The trained MMA fighter claimed that he’s helped prevent 16 pitch invasions
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why it makes more sense for Manchester United to sell Marcus Rashford
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has claimed that he’s been banned from attending Inter Miami matches.
Yassine Cheuko, a trained MMA fighter who was personally chosen by Inter Miami president David Beckham upon the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival in the US, has received much attention from the media over the previous year.
His notoriety online has since seen him call out Logan Paul for a fight amid the ongoing lawsuit between Messi and the internet star’s rival drinks brands.
Now, however, it seems his growing persona has served as a detriment after he claimed that he’s now been banned for MLS and CONCACAF matches.
Speaking to House of Highlights, he said: ‘They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore. 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.
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko (right), has been banned from MLS matches
Yassine Chueko showed off his ripped physique by a pool in Miami, FL in March last year
Chueko (right) is an ex-Navy Seal who regularly prevented pitch invaders reaching Messi
‘I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping. 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’.
Since his arrival alongside Messi, there have been plenty of viral incidents surrounding Cheuko, given the alarming amount of pitch invaders at MLS games.
Just last month, Chueko was finally beaten by a pitch-invading fan after taking a tumble in an effort to stop the supporter from reaching him.
He was seen with Messi when the Argentina star was publicly relaxing with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo in South Florida in October 2023.
But, a couple of weeks before that, he prevented a young fan from getting Messi’s autograph after a defeat to Cincinnati.
Chueko stopped the young boy, who made his way onto the pitch, put his arm around him and led him over to Messi, who posed for a photograph and signed an autograph.
Then, for Halloween, Inter Miami forward Robert Taylor hilariously dressed up as the bodyguard, completing his costume with fake muscles and a bald cap.
