Messi’s Inter Miami bodyguard ‘not ex-navy seal’ but brutally KO’d Thai fighter

For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter

Thank you for subscribing!

For the latest from the pitch sign up for our football newsletter

We have more newsletters

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has been somewhat of a breakout star at Inter Miami.

While the World Cup winner has been doing the business for David Beckham’s franchise on the pitch, he is reassured by a hulking, shadow-like presence on the sidelines. When Messi is donning the famous pink of the MLS giants, he is followed, almost at the heel, by the enormous Cheuko.

He was initially believed to be an ex-navy seal who had been specifically hired to guard Messi. However, it’s understood there are no official records to confirm whether he has actually served as a navy seal.

Either way, there is more than ample evidence to suggest he is not somebody you want to mess with.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi's bodyguard forced to grab pitch invading fan around neck in Inter Miami win

In June 2022, Cheuko uploaded a video of himself competing in a kick-boxing contest. The video climaxes with himself leathering his opponent and sending him crashing to the ground.

From start to finish, he was in full control. Whether it was emphatically swatting any kicks or punches away or hammering his opponent’s ribs with some brutal kicks and body shots, there was only going to be one winner.

What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi's bodyguard? Let us know in the comments section below

Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.

£22 a month

As impressive as his performance was, his most famous contribution to date was his reaction in Miami’s clash against LAFC. As Messi was patrolling the pitch, a fan managed to weave around stewards and hare towards the Argentina captain.

While he did eventually reach the 36-year-old and give him a hug, Cheuko was there to effortlessly prise his arms from around Messi and drag him off the pitch. There had been plenty of speculation about the bodyguard, who was becoming a highly talked about member of the Miami team.

It was initially reported that he was a skilled mixed martial artist who had served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a navy seal. However, a navy spokesperson told the Daily Mail they were unable to locate any records for Cheuko.

The broad shouldered, big chested guard was reportedly hired on Beckham’s recommendation. Considering his lightning fast reaction to the pitch invader, he looks to be a shrewd acquisition.

• Lionel Messi
• Inter Miami
• MLS

Source: Read Full Article