In the United States of America, Lionel Messi frequently makes headlines. In less than a month since his arrival, he has assisted Inter Miami in capturing its first-ever trophy and, thanks to a victory over Cincinnati, has guaranteed the team a position in the U.S. Open semifinals. However, the fans are more intrigued about the footballers bodyguard. Read on to know all about Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami bodyguard.
This time, though, even his bodyguard has drawn notice after being spotted running along the sidelines to defend the FIFA World Cup champion from trespassers on the pitch. The bodyguard was visible keeping a tight eye to make sure Messi, the team’s leading goal scorer in 2023, was safe from any threat in the game as the Miami players celebrated the late equaliser.
Yassine Chueko is Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard. He was a former American Army soldier who also served as a Navy Seal in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to La Nacion. David Beckham, a former England captain and co-owner of Inter Miami, suggested him to a number of regional media outlets, including The Nation. He is not the only person in charge of ensuring Mesis’ safety, though.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami bodyguard:
Peep Messi’s bodyguard 😭😭 this guy follows him EVERYWHERE pic.twitter.com/IGrMSa4P77
— R (@Lionel30i) August 24, 2023
The guy in the photo is Yassine Chueko, a former martial arts fighter hired by Inter Miami as Lionel Messi's bodyguard.
Yassine follows Lionel even in matches, on the touchline, always ready to tackle any invader. By far, the best personal best Lionel has had since he arrived. pic.twitter.com/Rpa8tyBsLj
— WÏZÃRD SMC™ (@wizardsmc1) August 26, 2023
According to reports, a 50-person squad under the direction of Chueko works around the clock to ensure the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner can move around Miami safely. In a recent media interview, Messi told reporters, “The greeting has been outstanding every moment I arrived. Because there are so many Latinos in the city, everything is simpler. Much closer and much more demonstrative, always showing affection and closeness.”
“I think that is the most crucial, healthiest, and most beautiful thing to be able to settle in and enjoy what you do,” the speaker said. Chueko has posted multiple videos of himself participating in mixed martial arts and engaging in mock combat on social media. Messi and Sergio Ramos, his former colleague at Paris Saint-Germain, are among his more than one million twenty-nine thousand fans.
On August 27, Miami, captained by Messi, will resume its regular Major League Soccer season against the New York Bulls. Four days later, Miami will play Nashville, a team it defeated in the Leagues Cup final to win the inaugural competition. It will be intriguing to watch how Chueko can protect the Argentine legend from intrusions in the future as he continues to excel in his new home in Miami.
So, this was all about Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami bodyguard. Also read, Throwback: When Pele said Messi is the Best, not Ronaldo!
