Messi Bodyguard Banned, In a surprising development, Major League Soccer (MLS) has banned Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from protecting the Argentine superstar from the touchline during Inter Miami matches. Announced on April 1, 2025, by Reuters, this decision shifts matchday security responsibilities entirely to the league, restricting Cheuko—a former Navy SEAL known for his vigilance—to the locker room and mixed zones. The move comes amid growing concerns over pitch invasions, a challenge that has intensified since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.
For readers searching for insights on Messi’s bodyguard banned, this article dives into the reasons behind the ban, Cheuko’s background, fan reactions, and the implications for Messi’s safety. With MLS now in charge of security, questions linger about whether the league can adequately protect one of the world’s most famous athletes.
Messi Bodyguard Banned: Why Was Messi’s Bodyguard Banned?
The MLS’s decision to ban Yassine Cheuko from the touchline is rooted in its goal to centralize and standardize matchday security across all teams. Cheuko gained fame for his proactive approach, often seen sprinting along the sidelines to intercept fans attempting to reach Messi. However, the league has now prohibited him from operating on the field, limiting his role to off-field areas.
In an interview with Spanish media, Cheuko expressed his frustration: “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.” He highlighted a stark contrast between his experiences in Europe and the U.S., noting, “I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA and in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so. There’s a huge problem here, let me help Messi.”
The ban follows a series of pitch invasions at Inter Miami games, which have surged since Messi’s arrival. MLS aims to address this by taking “full control” of security operations, ensuring that no individual security personnel, regardless of their dedication, operate outside official protocols.
Yassine Cheuko: The Man Protecting Messi
Yassine Cheuko isn’t your average bodyguard. A former Navy SEAL with elite military training, he has been a constant presence by Messi’s side since the forward joined Inter Miami in 2023. His role went beyond traditional security duties—he became a social media sensation for his quick reflexes and unwavering commitment to keeping Messi safe. Videos of Cheuko thwarting pitch invaders earned him widespread recognition, turning him into a minor celebrity in his own right.
Cheuko’s experience in high-stakes environments, including seven years in Europe with Ligue 1 and the Champions League, made him uniquely qualified to protect the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Yet, with Messi’s bodyguard banned from the touchline, his hands-on approach has been sidelined, leaving fans to wonder who will fill the gap.
MLS Security Overhaul: Addressing a Growing Challenge
The ban on Cheuko reflects MLS’s broader efforts to professionalize security as the league grows in stature. Messi’s arrival has brought unprecedented attention to Inter Miami, with sold-out stadiums and global viewership. However, it has also exposed vulnerabilities, particularly the rise in pitch invasions.
Cheuko’s observation—16 pitch invasions in 20 months compared to six in seven years in Europe—underscores a significant security gap in MLS. In Europe, stricter regulations and heavier penalties deter such incidents, while MLS has struggled to keep pace with the demands of hosting a global icon like Messi.
The league defends its decision, with a spokesperson telling Reuters, “Matchday security must be managed uniformly to maintain the integrity of the game.” By banning Cheuko from the touchline, MLS aims to create a consistent security framework, but critics argue it may leave Messi more vulnerable.
Messi’s bodyguard is always alertpic.twitter.com/ZmdiqhGYsM
— Learn Something (@cooltechtipz) February 6, 2025
Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings on the Ban
The news of Messi’s bodyguard banned has sparked a lively debate among fans. On social media platforms like X, some expressed concern over Messi’s safety without Cheuko’s direct protection. “He was doing his job—keeping Messi safe,” one fan wrote. “Now MLS is risking the GOAT over some control freak move.”
Others support the league’s decision, seeing it as a necessary step toward professionalism. “Personal bodyguards can’t just run the show,” another user commented. “MLS needs to handle this properly.” The split in opinion reflects broader uncertainty about whether the league’s security team can match Cheuko’s vigilance.
Pitch Invasions: A Persistent Problem in MLS
Pitch invasions have become a recurring headache for MLS since Messi’s arrival. Fans, eager for a moment with the Argentine legend, have repeatedly breached the field, disrupting games and raising safety concerns. While most incidents are benign, the potential for harm remains a worry.
Cheuko’s ban comes at a critical juncture, as MLS faces pressure to modernize its security protocols. In Europe, pitch invasions are rare due to robust measures like fines, bans, and enhanced stadium security. MLS, still growing as a league, must now prove it can adapt to the challenges of hosting a superstar like Messi.
Implications for Messi and Inter Miami
For Lionel Messi, the absence of Cheuko on the touchline alters his matchday experience. Since joining Inter Miami, he has relied on his bodyguard’s presence to navigate the intense scrutiny and fan fervor he attracts. Now, he must trust MLS’s security team to manage any threats.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, faces the challenge of maintaining its star player’s safety while aligning with league policies. Messi’s presence has been a boon for the club, driving ticket sales and global interest, but the ban highlights the tension between individual needs and league-wide standards.
Conclusion
The decision to ban Messi’s bodyguard from the touchline signals a new era for MLS security. While Yassine Cheuko’s dedication won over fans, the league’s push for centralized control aims to ensure consistency and fairness. Yet, with pitch invasions on the rise, doubts persist about whether MLS can adequately protect its biggest star. As the league takes the reins, its ability to balance security and spectacle will be under scrutiny, with Messi’s safety hanging in the balance.
👮♂️🇦🇷 During Inter Miami matches, Leo Messi is followed by an ex-US Navy Seal for maximum security.
The bodyguard is a martial arts, boxer and taekwondo expert. He can be seen even following him during matches. pic.twitter.com/Gl8n1UzHXV
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 24, 2023
FAQs
1. Why was Messi’s bodyguard banned from the touchline?
MLS banned Yassine Cheuko to centralize matchday security, restricting him to the locker room and mixed zones for a uniform approach across teams.
2. Who is Yassine Cheuko?
Cheuko is a former Navy SEAL and Lionel Messi’s bodyguard since 2023, known for his proactive protection during Inter Miami matches.
3. How has MLS justified this decision?
The league insists that centralized security maintains game integrity, though Cheuko argues it overlooks the pitch invasion problem.
4. Are pitch invasions common in MLS?
Yes, since Messi joined Inter Miami, 16 pitch invasions have occurred in 20 months, a sharp increase compared to Europe.
5. What does this mean for Messi’s safety?
Messi now relies on MLS security instead of Cheuko on the touchline, raising questions about the league’s preparedness.
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