Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been barred from patrolling the touchline during Inter Miami matches, following a decision by Major League Soccer (MLS) to take full control of matchday security.
Cheuko, the former Navy SEAL, was in the news for keeping a close eye on the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, frequently intercepting pitch invaders. MLS has now limited his locker room and mixed zones attendance.
“They no longer allow me to be on the field,” Cheuko told Spanish media. “I worked seven years in Europe with Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people stormed the pitch. In the USA, in 20 months there have already been 16. There’s a huge problem here let me help Messi.”
Despite his apprehensions, MLS asserts that match security will be internal and leave Cheuko to watch Messi outside of the game.
