For months, Inter Miami fans have noticed a subtle yet significant change during matches. Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, who once patrolled the sidelines like a shadow, is no longer seen near the touchline. Known for his swift interventions when fans rushed onto the field, Cheuko had become a familiar sight next to Messi since the Argentine’s arrival in MLS in 2023.
At first, speculation suggested that the league officials had implemented new security policies, restricting Cheuko’s movement on matchdays. However, a recent report has revealed that the decision did not come from the league—but from another rather unexpected source.
The revelation surfaced in an interview Cheuko gave to House of Highlights, where he openly discussed the situation. “They [Inter Miami] don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” he said. “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.”
Cheuko, a former soldier and mixed martial artist, has been responsible for the Argentine’s personal security since the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His constant presence at the Herons’ matches went viral on social media, with videos showing him swiftly neutralizing pitch invaders attempting to get close to the Argentine.
Initially, it was believed that MLS had imposed new restrictions on team security personnel. However, a league spokesperson denied this, telling The Athletic that no such league-wide policy had been implemented. Instead, Inter Miami confirmed that it was the club’s decision to limit Cheuko’s access on matchdays.
Messi reportedly unhappy with the decision
Although Cheuko remains an official Inter Miami employee and continues to follow MLS security protocols, his limited access has reportedly not gone down well with the 37-year-old. Sources close to the Miami locker room revealed that Messi is unhappy about the move.
“It’s been the case all year long,” one source told The Athletic. “[Lionel and Yassine] are quite upset about it. [Yassine] has always been really critical of all of the other security [across MLS] and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn’t even be needed.”
With security concerns still prevalent in MLS, Cheuko believes that his expertise could still play a crucial role. “I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together,” he added. “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.”
