Lionel Messi’s mysterious bodyguard: Yassine Chueko

The soccer world was shocked when Lionel Messi announced his transfer to Inter Miami. The Argentine magician made his way to Major League Soccer promising new beginnings and high-profile matches. However, while Messi’s footwork and goals remained center stage, another name caught the eye: Yassine Chueko.

Chueko is not a soccer player, but he is probably just as important to Messi’s new journey. David Beckham handpicked Chueko, a former US soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, to be Messi’s personal bodyguard, the Daily Mail reported. This choice was not made on a whim.

Yassine Chueko is not just any bodyguard. With his experience in MMA and his mastery of martial arts disciplines like taekwondo and boxing, he represents the ideal shield for a superstar like Messi. The increase in fans pouring onto the pitch in recent years, combined with the frenetic enthusiasm for Messi’s transition to the United States, has made this a mandatory safety decision for the star’s arrival.

An example of Chueko’s dedication to his job went viral during Inter Miami’s game against Cincinnati. As Messi celebrated the last-minute equalizer, Chueko was seen running to the side of the pitch to oversee the celebrations.

Peep Messi’s bodyguard this guy follows him EVERYWHERE pic.twitter.com/IGrMSa4P77

-R (@Lionel30i) August 24, 2023

FOLLOW MESSI STEP BY STEP

Beyond the limits of the pitch, Chueko is omnipresent when it comes to Messi. Chueko is a constant name, whether ensuring Messi’s safe passage from the team bus to the changing rooms or waiting for Messi to appear at the entrance of the club bus.