 "Yassine Cheuko intervenes as a fan approaches Lionel Messi during a match. Image: Reuters")
Lionel Messi ’s trusted bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been a familiar figure at Inter Miami matches since the Argentine superstar’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. However, for the 2025 season, Cheuko’s presence on the sidelines has been restricted, a move that has left him and Messi frustrated. But why was this decision made, and what does it mean for the security around one of football’s biggest icons?
Cheuko’s role in protecting Messi
Since Messi’s high-profile switch to MLS, Cheuko, a mixed martial artist, has been tasked with ensuring his safety. Videos of him closely monitoring the crowd and chasing down pitch invaders have gone viral on several occasions.
In an interview with House of Highlights, Cheuko expressed his disappointment about being removed from the sidelines:
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore. 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.”
Why was Cheuko banned from the sidelines?
Despite speculation that this might have been a decision from MLS, Inter Miami confirmed that it was the club itself that decided to limit Cheuko’s movements on the touchline.
An Inter Miami spokesperson told ESPN that Cheuko remains employed by the club and is still part of the security detail. However, his presence on the touchline has been curtailed, and he is now stationed either in a private box or the tunnel leading to the pitch.
Messi and Cheuko unhappy with the decision
Cheuko’s removal has reportedly not gone down well with Messi. A source told The Athletic: “It’s been the case all year long. (Lionel and Yassine) are quite upset about it—(Yassine) has always been really critical of all the other security (across MLS) and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn’t even be needed.”
Cheuko believes his experience in European football should be utilised better in MLS: “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.”
What’s next for Messi?
Inter Miami and Messi returned to action for the first leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals against LAFC. They lost the game 1-0 thanks to a 57-minute goal from Nathan Ordaz. The second leg is scheduled to take place on 10 April. Before the crucial encounter, Miami will host Toronto in an MLS match on 7 April.