Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi's bodyguard and a former Navy SEAL, has been banned from the sidelines during Inter Miami CF games.
Cheuko is recognized for his viral moments as he scans the crowd to prevent potential pitch invaders from reaching Messi. Major League Soccer has decided to take charge of the security situation for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Consequently, Cheuko has been informed that he will no longer be allowed on the field and will only have access to the locker room and mixed zones.
"They've barred me from the field," Cheuko said to the media. "I came to the USA and in just 20 months, 16 people have already breached security. There's a significant issue here. I'm not the issue. Let me protect Messi."
Despite not being allowed to be on the sidelines moving forward, Cheuko has shared that he will continue to be a key member of Messi's personal security team outside of MLS games.
When is Inter Miami CF's next game?
Inter Miami CF are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference in the MLS table with 13 points, ahead of Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew.
Inter Miami's next game will be against LAFC in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 2 at 11:30 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLS bans Messi's bodyguard from sidelines at Inter Miami games
