Messi’s Bodyguard Banned in the US. Ex-Military Claims Leo Is in Danger

Yassine Cheuko is known for his hot temper.

Yassine Cheuko, the bodyguard of football legend Lionel Messi, has complained that he’s been banned from entering the pitch during matches in the United States. Whenever the Inter Miami captain plays, Cheuko usually patrols the sidelines to prevent sudden attacks on the player. This sight has become familiar — Cheuko has long been a key figure in ensuring Messi's safety.

However, Yassine will no longer be allowed to run onto the field to stop those who violate Messi’s personal space. He revealed this in an interview with House of Highlights. According to Cheuko, security in the US leaves much to be desired — in the 20 months he's been on the job, 16 people have stormed the field. In Europe, over seven years, there were only six such incidents.

The ban is reportedly due to each stadium having its own security personnel, making additional help unnecessary. However, many believe the decision is tied to Cheuko’s working methods. In 2024, Yassine shoved a security officer at the Hong Kong airport and later tackled a fan who tried to reach Messi by sprinting across the pitch.

Cheuko was hired to lead Messi’s security team when the Argentine joined Inter Miami. Some fans are so obsessed with Messi that they could unintentionally harm him. The search for a suitable candidate for this position took time — the job required someone truly exceptional: reliable, calm under pressure, non-confrontational, and physically fit.

The choice fell on Yassine, an American of Arab descent and former U.S. Navy serviceman. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Navy’s elite special operations unit, known as the SEALs. Cheuko also practices taekwondo and boxing and even teaches martial arts. He has participated in several MMA fights.

In short, the American is an extraordinary and dependable figure — though hardly low-key or conflict-averse. Recently, he confronted fighter Logan Paul, who jokingly challenged Messi to a fight. Paul later explained he had no intention of fighting the footballer and only wanted publicity. But Cheuko didn’t take it lightly: he recorded a video response confirming that he does want to fight.

It seems the latest incident goes beyond the scope of Messi’s personal safety. Now that he’s been banned from “patrolling” the football pitch, Cheuko appears to be turning back to combat sports. But Paul is too smart and calculated to fight just anyone. As a result, the bodyguard has been stripped of his life’s purpose — while thousands of Messi fans are finally getting a fleeting chance to touch the legend himself.

Published by Patrick Jane
02.04.2025