Lionel Messi‘s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been an internet phenomenon in more ways than one. But now, the former Navy Seal, who typically shadows the GOAT from just a few feet away, is banned. Major League Soccer (MLS) no longer allows Yassine Cheuko to stand pitchside during matches.
Cheuko, rumored to earn around $3 million a year in his role, is now restricted to the locker room and mixed zones. He’s frustrated by MLS’s move, though he admits he understands their need to manage matchday security. “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” he told House of Highlights. “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. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.”
Messi’s arrival in the United States has fueled skyrocketing fan enthusiasm and, by extension, an uptick in pitch invasions. MLS officials worry about liability if a non-stadium employee tackles a fan or takes physical action. They want all security incidents managed by league personnel, but Cheuko believes collaboration is key. “I love MLS and Concacaf, but we have to work together. I love helping. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe,” he said.
Some supporters argue that star players deserve specialized protection, especially when fans flood the field at an unprecedented rate. Others feel the league is right to ensure uniform protocols for every team. Messi himself has stayed silent on the issue.
At the heart of the debate is keeping players safe without turning every game into a high-security affair. In Europe, stadium protocols often involve seasoned stewards who intercept invaders fast. In the U.S., the culture of open access and big crowds has made for dramatic moments. Yet Cheuko’s experiences hint at a deeper concern: rising pitch invasions seem to be a symptom of Messi’s worldwide draw, and the appetite for close encounters isn’t going away.
