Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard and a former Navy SEAL, has been banned by the Major Soccer League (MLS) from accompanying the player on the pitch.
Cheuko has been working with Messi since his move to Inter Miami in 2023, providing personal security in the US.
Cheuko has made regular appearances during MLS games, chasing down pitch-invading fans who try to get close to Messi.
However, MLS has restricted Cheuko’s involvement, limiting him to guarding Messi behind the scenes and forbidding him from stepping foot on the pitch.
Cheuko revealed the ban in an interview with House of Highlights, stating, “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
Cheuko expressed concerns about the problems MLS faces with pitch invasions, citing his experience working in Europe where such incidents were rare.
He noted that in 20 months of working in the US, 16 people have already invaded the pitch, highlighting the need for effective security measures.
Cheuko emphasized that he is not the problem and wants to be allowed to help protect Messi.