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Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko criticised stadium security teams after multiple pitch invasions from fans.
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko (Instagram and X)
Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, pitch invasions have become increasingly common in US stadiums. Fans frequently break security protocols in an attempt to take photos with the Argentine icon. Now, Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has voiced his frustration over the issue. In a lengthy Instagram post, he criticised stadium security teams, stating they are “not fully focused on their duties.” He further claimed instead of prioritising safety, many security personnel are more interested in watching the game or capturing photos and videos.
Since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami, pitch invasions have become quite frequent in the US stadiums. Fans are often seen breaching security in an attempt to click pictures with the Argentine legend. Now, Messi’s bodyguard, YassineCheukohas expressed his discontent over the growing issue. He penned a long note on Instagram, claiming that the security teams of the stadiums“are not fully focused on fulfilling their duties.”
“Instead of ensuring security, they are more occupied with watching the game or taking photos and videos,” the former MMA fighter added.
Cheuko, however, expressed his gratitude to the stadium security teams in Honduras and Peru for their“professionalism and assistance.”Inter Miami recently toured these countries to play pre-season friendlies against Universitario and Olimpia.
In between those two games, the Herons clashed against Panamanian side Sporting San Miguelito. When the match was underway at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez, a fan sporting the“Messi 10″ shirt came running across the field to share a hug with the eight-time Ballond’Orwinner.
Cheukowhowas on the sidelines tried his best to protect Messi. But he accidentally collided with the fan and collapsed on the ground. Cheuko quickly got back on his feet and dragged the pitch invader away from the playing area. His social media rant was supposedly fuelled by that incident.
“Please, gentlemen of the security staff, I ask you with all the respect and seriousness this deserves: stay vigilant. Do the job you are paid to do. The safety of the stadium, the players, and the fans depends on you. I will always be there to support you, always ready to intervene when needed. But if you do not do your part, this mission becomes very difficult for me to handle alone,” Cheuko wrote in his Instagram post.
“I am ready to run across the field in sneakers. To fall face down in front of thousands of people. To get tackled, shoved, and humiliated if necessary. None of that matters to me. Because my image doesn’t count—only my mission matters. And if one day I have to give my life to fulfil my duty, I will do it without hesitation,” he added.
Inter Miami will play one more friendly against Orlando City before shifting their focus to the Concasaf Champions Cup. In the first round of the tournament, Lionel Messi and Co. will face Sporting KC across two legs.
