Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard at Inter Miami, revealed on April 1, 2025, that he’s been banned from protecting the soccer icon from the touchline during matches.
Yassine Cheuko is known for his vigilant crowd-scanning to thwart pitch invaders; highlighted in viral social media clips, Cheuko voiced frustration to Spanish media. “They don’t allow me on the field anymore,” he said. “I worked in Europe for seven years with Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. In the U.S., 16 have done so in just 20 months. There’s a huge problem here, so let me help Messi.”
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has been banned from entering the pitch, after the MLS changed their safety protocol 😳
🗣️ Yassine Cheuko, Messi’s bodyguard:
“I have been in the USA for 20 months, and 16 people have already invaded the pitch. I am not the problem. Let me help Messi.” pic.twitter.com/mxL8ngGFoR
— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) April 1, 2025Major League Soccer (MLS) responded Tuesday, stating its security protocols remain unchanged. Many teams, including Inter Miami, station designated security near benches. Cheuko’s role had been to shield the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner from potential threats, a growing concern in the U.S. Inter Miami has been contacted for comment as fans debate the balance between safety and protocol.
MLS bans Lionel Messi's bodyguard from pitch over security concernshttps://t.co/H6vcppIK3F pic.twitter.com/r9BiDydSuU
— Pulse Ghana (@PulseGhana) April 1, 2025Cheuko’s ban raises questions about player protection in MLS. With pitch invasions spiking, his plea to safeguard Messi underscores a broader issue. As Inter Miami navigates this, the spotlight remains on how the league will ensure its biggest star stays secure.
Read: Lionel Messi Out of Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers with Injury
