Yassine Chueko, Lionel Messi`s bodyguard, is no longer allowed on the touchline during MLS games.
Chueko, believed to be a former Navy SEAL, has been protecting Messi at matches for over seven years.
Messi, aged 37, joined Inter Miami in MLS in the summer of 2023.
Since then, many fans have approached him on the field, often just wanting a photo with the famous player.
Chueko has been responsible for Messi`s security since his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the MLS has now banned him from being on the sidelines because of new safety rules in the league.
Chueko mentioned to House of Highlights, “They no longer allow me to be on the field.”
He also feels that MLS needs to do more to protect players, as Messi has been approached by 16 fans invading the pitch since he arrived in the US.
He added, “In my seven years in Europe, working in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, only six people entered the field. Since I came to the United States, in just 20 months, there have already been 16 pitch invasions.”
“There is a big problem here. I am not the problem. Let me help Messi.”
“I like MLS and CONCACAF, and I want to help. I`m not saying I`m better than anyone, but I have a lot of experience from Europe.”
“It`s okay, I understand their decision, but I believe we could improve.”
Chueko has previously said he feels like part of Messi`s “family.”
He has become known for quickly appearing “out of nowhere” to stop fans who get too close to Messi.
He explained, “I feel like family, and I work hard to protect him. Not just physically, but also mentally, because he trusts me and relies on me. I give him my full attention. He is very humble.”
Earlier in April, Chueko offered to fight Logan Paul in the ring.
Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer and WWE star, challenged Messi due to a legal issue about copyright.
Chueko, 34, who is a Muay Thai fighter, volunteered to fight in place of Messi.
He stated, “Messi doesn`t even know who this guy is. If Logan wants to fight, he can fight me, not a football player.”
