Lionel Messi's bodyguard barred from MLS sidelines

Field Level Media|published: 04/01/2025, 11:17am EDT

Sep 3, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; A fan approaches Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) as personal security guard Yassine Cheuko intervenes during the game against LAFC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A bodyguard for Lionel Messi said he has been barred from protecting the Inter Miami star during MLS matches.

"They don't allow me to be on the field anymore," said Yassine Cheuko, who has been working with Messi since the Argentine forward joined the league in 2023, in a recent interview with the YouTube channel "House of Highlights."

Fans had grown accustomed to seeing Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, patrolling the sidelines during Messi's games in order to help protect the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner from pitch invaders.

Cheuko confirmed that MLS and CONCACAF officials decided to take full control of their gameday security, which he suggested has not been sufficient.

"I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA and in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so.

"There's a huge problem here. I'm not the problem. Let me help Messi."

Cheuko said he will continue to work on Messi's personal security team outside of the stadiums.

--Field Level Media