Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, who is he? Let’s meet the former Navy seal Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham hired to do only one job – protect the MLS side’s new captain.
Messi is unarguably the highest-profile soccer star ever to play in the USA, making him a target, either on or off the pitch. No doubt the 2022 World Cup champion must be protected, and the best way to do that is to get him a personal protector.
What happened – Messi’s bodyguard went viral
Footage went viral on social media this week, showing a guy sprinting down the touchline after Inter Miami captain Messi had assisted a 97th-minute equalizer against F.C. Cincinnati in Wednesday’s U.S. Open semi-final.
He had no intention of joining the celebration. Instead, Chueko was trying to protect the Argentinian. Chueko was there to keep intruders out.
Who is Chueko?
According to sources, Chueko was reportedly hired following a personal recommendation by Miami club president David Beckham.
Part of Chueko’s job is to effectively man-mark Messi during games so that he can intercept any pitch invaders who attempt to get close to the Miami captain.
Chueko also guards Messi before and after matches and when he is out and about with his family in public – for example when they go shopping.
Yassine Chueko has a profound background in MMA, along with proficiency in martial arts disciplines like taekwondo and boxing; it’s safe to say he can easily walk into the squad that Sylvester Stallone assembled in the coming blockbuster Expendables Part Four.
Chueko embodies the ideal shield for Messi while ensuring the player’s secure transition from the team bus to the changing rooms or awaiting at the club’s bus entrance.
