In a stunning decision, Major League Soccer (MLS) has prohibited Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from standing along the touchline during Inter Miami games. Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, had gained notoriety for his swift and aggressive protection of the football icon, often intervening to stop pitch invaders before they could reach Messi. The ruling comes as MLS moves to regulate security measures more strictly across the league.
Since Messi’s arrival in Miami, Cheuko has become a recognizable figure at matches, always staying close to the Argentine star. His lightning-fast responses to fans attempting to breach security have been widely praised, but also raised concerns about overstepping official security protocols. MLS officials argue that Cheuko’s presence on the touchline is outside standard league security procedures and have ordered him to remain in designated areas like the locker room and mixed zones.
This new policy is part of an effort to centralize security operations and ensure a uniform approach to player safety. While Cheuko’s intense protection of Messi has been effective, league officials believe security should be handled by professionals employed directly by MLS, rather than private individuals. The move aims to avoid inconsistencies in safety measures across different teams and stadiums.
Reacting to the ban, Cheuko expressed his disappointment, stating that he has rarely seen pitch invasions at Messi’s games in Europe, whereas they have become alarmingly common in the United States. While he respects the league’s decision, he believes a collaborative approach between personal security and MLS officials would be a better solution to safeguarding players, particularly high-profile figures like Messi.
Beyond the controversy over his role on the sidelines, Cheuko has also found himself entangled in an unusual feud with YouTuber Logan Paul over competing energy drink brands. The dispute has escalated to the point where Paul has challenged him to a boxing match—a challenge that the former Navy SEAL appears more than ready to accept.
