- Messi’s bodyguard, expressed frustration over being banned from the sidelines
- 16 pitch invasions in 20 months in the U.S
- Inter Miami confirmed the sidelining decision was theirs, not MLS’s
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, voiced his frustration after revealing that he was no longer allowed to protect the Argentina star from the sidelines during Inter Miami matches.
Cheuko became well-known when videos surfaced on social media showing him vigilantly monitoring the crowd to prevent potential pitch invaders from reaching the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“They don’t let me be on the field anymore,” Cheuko said in an interview with House of Highlights. “I spent seven years in Europe, working with Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people ever tried to invade the pitch. But I come to the U.S., and in just 20 months, 16 people have already attempted it. There’s a serious issue here. I’m not the problem—let me help Messi.”
An Inter Miami spokesperson clarified to ESPN that the decision not to have Cheuko on the sidelines was made by the club, not Major League Soccer (MLS). Despite this, Cheuko remains an employee of the club and continues to be part of the security team.
Earlier on Tuesday, MLS stated that its security protocols had not changed and that each team designates its own security personnel, who are stationed near the team benches during matches.
