Lionel Messi’s arrival in the US in 2023 was met with a lot of excitement, and Inter Miami tried to make sure he was safe throughout his time there. Along with Messi, a name that’s been buzzing on social media is Yassine Chueko. He’s not just any ordinary person – he’s been chosen by David Beckham to be Lionel Messi’s security at Inter Miami.
Yassine Chueko is not the typical bodyguard you have. Chueko is skilled in boxing and taekwondo and has experience in mixed martial arts (MMA). He is a strong and capable shield for someone as well-known as Messi. He also served as a Navy Seal and has served in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Messi’s new bodyguard hired by is called Yassine Chueko. He is an ex-US Navy Seal, who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chueko is a martial arts, boxer and taekwondo expert. He leads a 50 person team dedicated to protecting Messi and his family in Miami
[LA NACION] pic.twitter.com/KzyCV39rux
— MC (@CrewsMat10) August 24, 2023
Chueko’s duties don’t just apply to while Messi is fulfilling his on-field duties for Inter Miami. Before and after games, as well as when Messi is out with his family, he is present. It’s crucial to ensure Messi’s safety so he can enjoy himself worry-free. Having additional security is essential due to the recent occurrence of soccer fans entering fields during games and the general excitement surrounding Messi’s visit to the United States.
On Instagram, he posts images of his workouts and Messi follows him. A few months before the Argentine left Camp Nou in 2021, he posed for a photo with Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former UFC fighter.
Social media reacts to Yassine Chueko’s presence on the pitch side
During an August 2023 match between Inter Miami and Cincinnati, a demonstration of Chueko’s dedication to his work went viral. Following Leonardo Campana’s goal at the end of the game for Inter Miami, Messi went to celebrate with him and other teammates just off the side of the field. This is when people noticed Chueko quickly springing into action. He rushed from where he was sitting to get close to Messi to make sure he was safe.
Fans’ reactions on social media to Messi’s bodyguard at Inter Miami’s serious demeanor have been interesting. One person compared the man’s strong build to Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine national team player who has earned the reputation of being the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s protector:
Bald version of Rodrigo De Paul 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Lowkey (@LowkeyGh_) August 24, 2023
The fan wrote, “Bald version of Rodrigo De Paul.” Another fan wrote, “Wow, that’s incredible! Messi is in great hands with such an experienced and skilled bodyguard like Yassine Chueko. Safety first!”
🚨Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Chueko tackled an overzealous fan attempting to snap a photo with the football superstar during Inter Miami’s match against Sporting Kansas City.pic.twitter.com/MvrHBpcNXH
— 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 (@widescores_com) April 15, 2024
Chueko was on hand again when Inter Miami faced Sporting KC in April 2024. Even while the ball was in play, Chueko ran across the pitch as he saw a pitch invader approaching Messi. It was another example of how on-guard Chueko is all the time. Chueko is always nearby, making sure that Messi is protected and safe.
