Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 was not just a footballing spectacle—it also came with unprecedented security measures. Among them was Yassine Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL and MMA fighter, who was assigned to be Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, ensuring his safety both on and off the pitch.
However, recent developments have sparked controversy as Cheuko has now been banned from the touchline during Inter Miami’s games. This move has raised several questions about player security, MLS regulations, and how Lionel Messi’s presence has changed football culture in the U.S.
In this blog, we’ll explore why the ban was enforced, how it affects Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, and what it signifies for security measures in football.
Who is Yassine Cheuko? Messi’s Personal Bodyguard
Before diving into the ban, let’s take a look at the man who has been protecting Lionel Messi since his arrival in Miami.
🔹 Yassine Cheuko is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and an expert in martial arts, including MMA and kickboxing.
🔹 He was personally appointed by David Beckham’s Inter Miami to ensure Lionel Messi’s safety amid rising security concerns.
🔹 Unlike traditional club security, Cheuko’s presence was highly visible, as he constantly shadowed Messi during games—sometimes running along the sidelines when Lionel Messi was on the move.
His constant presence on the touchline was seen as a necessary measure to protect Lionel Messi, given the level of fan enthusiasm and potential risks. However, this unusual practice has now been halted by the league.
Why Has Messi’s Bodyguard Been Banned from the Touchline?
The decision to ban Cheuko from standing on the touchline comes from Major League Soccer (MLS) officials, citing several key reasons:
1. Violation of MLS Regulations
- MLS rules prohibit non-team personnel from being on the sidelines during games unless they have official accreditation.
- While club security teams are allowed within the stadium, having a personal bodyguard so close to the field is against league policies.
2. Maintaining Fair Play & Game Integrity
- Opposing teams raised concerns that having a personal bodyguard that close to the pitch could be a distraction or even influence match proceedings.
- Some critics argued that Lionel Messi was getting special treatment, and MLS needed to ensure equal standards for all players.
3. Safety vs. Overreach
- While Lionel Messi’s safety is a top priority, MLS believes that existing stadium security should be responsible rather than a personal bodyguard being so close to the action.
- By removing Cheuko from the touchline, the league ensures that all players operate under the same security framework.
Impact on Messi and Inter Miami
Now that Lionel Messi’s bodyguard can no longer be right on the touchline, how does this affect the team and its superstar player?
🔹 1. Will Lionel Messi’s Security Be Compromised?
❌ Not entirely.
- Cheuko may not be on the touchline, but he will still be present inside the stadium and monitor Messi’s safety from a distance.
- Inter Miami is expected to increase security personnel around Messi, ensuring he remains protected.
🔹 2. Fan Incidents Could Become More Frequent
❌ Possibly.
- One of the reasons Cheuko was so close was to prevent pitch invasions and overenthusiastic fans from reaching Messi.
- With his removal from the touchline, there is a possibility that more fans could attempt to breach security to get close to the Argentine icon.
🔹 3. Reduced Controversy Around Special Treatment
✅ Yes.
- Some teams and fans felt that Messi was receiving preferential treatment with a personal bodyguard on the sideline.
- MLS’s decision ensures that all players are treated equally, removing any claims of favoritism.
Security Concerns in Modern Football: A Growing Trend?
Messi’s case is not an isolated one. Security concerns in football have been growing, especially with the rise of pitch invaders, social media-fueled fanaticism, and security lapses.
Here are some notable incidents that highlight the need for stronger player protection:
📌 1. Neymar’s Attack in Brazil
- During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, a fan tried to physically attack Neymar while he was leaving the pitch.
- Security was slow to react, sparking debates about player safety during international games.
📌 2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Unwanted Fan Interactions
- In multiple instances, Ronaldo has had fans breach security to reach him on the pitch.
- While most of these have been harmless selfie attempts, the concern remains that one day it could be more dangerous.
📌 3. Messi’s Own History with Pitch Invaders
- Even before joining Inter Miami, Messi has had several close encounters with pitch invaders, especially in La Liga and international matches.
- The need for personal security has only increased since his move to the U.S., where soccer is experiencing a massive boom in popularity.
What’s Next? Will the Ban Be Permanent?
While MLS has banned Cheuko from the touchline, it doesn’t mean Messi will be left unprotected. Here’s what could happen next:
1. More Stadium Security for Messi
- Expect Inter Miami and MLS to increase security inside stadiums, especially near Messi’s bench and locker room area.
2. Stricter Fan Controls
- Security checks for fans might become more rigorous to prevent potential threats.
- Stadium regulations may limit fans’ access to the pitch area, reducing pitch invasions.
3. A Future Exception for Messi?
- If security concerns rise again, MLS could reconsider allowing Cheuko to operate closer to Messi under stricter guidelines.
- For now, the ban stands, but if safety issues arise, modifications could be made.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Security & Fair Play
The ban on Messi’s bodyguard from the touchline is an important decision that balances security concerns with the integrity of the game. While Messi remains a global icon, MLS is ensuring that its rules apply equally to all players.
That said, Messi’s presence in the U.S. has changed football culture, bringing more fans, more passion, and greater security concerns. His safety remains a priority, and while Cheuko might be further away, the football world knows that Messi’s protection will always be a major focus.
For now, Inter Miami and MLS must find the right balance between security and fairness—because when you have the greatest footballer of all time playing in your league, ensuring his safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity.
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FAQs
Why was Messi’s bodyguard banned from the touchline?
Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, was banned because MLS rules prohibit non-team personnel from being on the sidelines. The decision was made to maintain fair play and game integrity.
Will Messi still have security at Inter Miami games?
Yes. Although his bodyguard won’t be allowed on the touchline, Messi will still have increased security around the stadium to ensure his safety.
