Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has revealed that he is no longer permitted to protect the Argentine star from the touchline during Inter Miami matches.
Cheuko became widely known after viral social media clips showed him closely monitoring the crowd and intercepting potential pitch invaders trying to reach the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” Cheuko told Spanish media. “I worked in Europe for seven years, covering Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. Since coming to the U.S., in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so. There’s a huge problem here—let me help Messi.”
Despite Cheuko’s concerns, Major League Soccer stated on Tuesday that its security protocols have not changed. The league confirmed that multiple teams have designated security personnel stationed near the benches during games.
