Lionel Messi’s bodyguard banned

Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially banned Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from being on the pitch during matches as part of new security measures.

Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been a visible figure patrolling the sidelines and preventing pitch invaders since Messi’s move to the U.S. in 2023.
However, under the revised rules, his role will now be limited to off-field protection.

Confirming the decision, Cheuko stated, “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.” He expressed concerns over increasing pitch invasions in the U.S., noting that he encountered only six incidents in Europe over seven years, compared to 16 in just 20 months in MLS.

Despite the ban, Cheuko remains open to working with MLS to enhance security. “I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together,” he said, emphasizing that Messi’s global fame requires tighter protection measures.

As MLS balances player safety with game integrity, the league now faces growing pressure to strengthen its security protocols, particularly for high-profile stars like Messi.