Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially barred Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from stepping onto the pitch during matches as part of newly introduced safety regulations.
Cheuko, a former special forces operative who earns $60,000 per month to protect the Argentine star, has been a constant presence around Messi since his arrival at Inter Miami.
However, MLS has now ruled that security personnel must remain off the field, regardless of potential security concerns.
Reacting to the ban, Cheuko expressed his frustration, citing multiple past incidents where fans have breached security to approach Messi during games.
“I’ve been in the USA for 20 months, and in that time, 16 people have run onto the field. I’m not the problem. Let me protect Messi!” he stated.
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The decision comes as MLS seeks to standardize security measures across all teams, ensuring that pitchside safety protocols are enforced uniformly.
While the league has not detailed alternative measures for Messi’s protection, the ruling places additional responsibility on stadium security to manage fan interactions and prevent pitch invasions.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has significantly increased global attention on the league, drawing larger crowds and passionate supporters.
However, with heightened visibility comes increased security concerns, and MLS now faces the challenge of balancing player safety with maintaining order during matches.
It remains to be seen whether the league will reconsider its stance or introduce specific security accommodations for high-profile players like Messi in the future.