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Decision to restrict field access for Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, reportedly made by Inter Miami

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

Toronto FC

Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, his bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been a regular presence at the MLS team's matches, clearly visible at field level as he patrolled the sidelines. However, Cheuko said in an interview this week that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-bodyguard-banned-yassine-cheuko-reveals-why-no-longer-allowed-help-inter-miami-superstar-mls-huge-problem/bltfaa0387778718024" target="_blank">that his access to the pitch has been limited</a> for the 2025 season.According to a r<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247418/2025/04/01/messi-bodyguard-yassine-cheuko-mls-inter-miami-concacaf-access/" target="_blank">eport from The Athletic</a>, Inter Miami confirmed that it was a club decision to limit Cheuko's movements on matchday. He remains an Inter Miami employee, according to the report, and is able to follow all security policies and protocols implemented by the club and league.In a statement issued to The Athletic, an MLS spokesperson confirmed that the league has not changed any policies regarding team security personnel, with multiple teams across the league having security guards that are stationed near team benches. Per the spokesperson, those security personnel are typically placed behind benches outside of the technical area - where the head coach is stationed during the match.Cheuko, who arrived in 2023 with Messi when he moved to South Beach, has been the Argentine's security personnel on the sideline of matches during his time in the league. Cheuko is known for chasing down pitch invaders during matches, while making an attempt to keep the Herons talisman safe.“I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch,” Cheuko said in a video interview with House of Highlights, a social media channel. “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. It’s fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cheuko, who is a mixed martial artist, has expressed his disappointment in not being able to patrol the sideline as much as he did in 2025. Messi, meanwhile, has reportedly shared a similar sentiment.“It’s been the case all year long,” a source told The Athletic. “(Lionel and Yassine) are quite upset about it - (Yassine) has always been really critical of all of the other security (across MLS) and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn’t even be needed.”Cheuko now positions himself in a private box, or in the tunnel that leads to the pitch during matches.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami are one of two undefeated MLS teams through the opening six weeks of the season. The Herons are 4-0-1 (WLD) through five matches played, and sit atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings heading into Matchday 7 of the regular season campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

Miami returns for Matchday 7 of the MLS season this weekend in another edition of "Sunday Night Soccer" on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ when they take on Toronto FC.

WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

Decision to restrict field access for Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, reportedly made by Inter Miami | Goal.com

Yassine Cheuko, the Argentine&apos;s bodyguard, has reportedly had sideline access at matches tightened by the MLS club

Decision to restrict field access for Lionel Messi&apos;s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, reportedly made by Inter Miami

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