Major League Soccer has banned Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from entering the pitch during matches.
Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been working with Messi since 2023, when the Argentine star moved to the United States to join Inter Miami. His job has been to protect Messi, especially from fans invading the pitch.
Over the past months, he has been seen running after and stopping people trying to get close to the football legend. However, MLS has now placed limits on his role, restricting him to behind-the-scenes security and preventing him from stepping onto the field.
Speaking to House of Highlights, Cheuko confirmed the new restriction, saying, “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
He also shared his concerns about security in the league, comparing his experience in Europe to the situation in the U.S.
“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.”
Despite the restriction, Cheuko said he respects MLS’s decision but believes more should be done to improve security.
“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 joining Inter Miami, Messi has become a major attraction in the U.S., with fans often running onto the pitch to get close to him. While MLS is trying to control this situation, Cheuko’s ban has raised questions about how the league plans to keep the football star safe during games.
For now, Cheuko will continue guarding Messi off the field, but many are watching to see how MLS handles pitch security in the coming months.
