MLS
Who is Yassine Cheuko, the personal bodyguard of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi?
Cheuko has been the star of several viral videos after often being spotted in the proximity of former Barcelona playmaker Messi.
Yassine Cheuko has become something of a familiar figure to soccer fans in the United States of late. Once a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, he later got into MMA and began teaching boxing and taekwondo. Now, however, he is best known for being the personal bodyguard of Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi.
Cheuko the star of several viral clips
Cheuko has come to the attention of avid soccer watchers, who have spotted him running freely around stadiums across the US. He has even been the subject of several videos which have gone viral. And those clips have always shown him stuck to the Argentina captain like glue, making sure Messi gets to the tunnel and dressing room after half-time and full-time without incident.
Beckham handpicked war veteran to protect Messi
The former Barcelona star’s personal safety is in Cheuko’s hands and, according to reports, it was none other than Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham who handpicked the war veteran for the job.
Messi’s bodyguard was posted to both Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11 and, after his career in the military had come to an end, decided to make the most of his combat sports skills to make a living. As he himself states on social media, he teaches martial arts and competes in MMA.
How many people are part of Messi’s security detail?
Sources close to The Herons claim the club have been delighted with the work he has carried out since being appointed head of Messi’s security detail, which other reports claim includes over 50 people, who also look out for the player’s family.
Cheuko, however, has certainly been the most visible, even seen running towards the part of the field from which Messi has scored a goal or celebrates with his teammates. If you’re going to get to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, you’ll have to go through Yassine Cheuko first