Messi's Bodyguard Banned from Pitchside Protection

Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been restricted from providing pitchside security during Inter Miami matches. This decision comes as Major League Soccer assumes full responsibility for matchday security, relegating Cheuko to locker room and mixed zone duties.

Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has faced restrictions on his role during Inter Miami matches. Specifically, he is no longer permitted to protect the Argentine superstar from the touchline.

Cheuko became well-known after several videos on social media showed him closely monitoring potential pitch invaders, aiming to safeguard the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. However, Major League Soccer has enacted a new policy, taking over complete matchday security, thereby limiting Cheuko's role to the locker room and mixed-zone areas.

In a statement to Spanish media, Cheuko expressed his frustration: "They don't allow me on the field anymore. In Europe, I worked for seven years and handled only six invasions. But in the USA, within 20 months, there have already been 16. There's a significant problem here, and I want to help Messi."

(With inputs from agencies.)