Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States has banned the bodyguard of Lionel Messi, one of the world’s best players who plays for Inter Miami in the USA, from entering the field. This decision was made and communicated after the league decided to handle security matters on its own. Previously, Messi’s bodyguard was allowed to operate on the sideline opposite to where the linesman stands. If someone were to enter the field, he would be on the sideline like a man-marker to stop them in Messi’s defense during the match. He would always be wherever Messi was on the field, and with permission to enter the field, he has stopped many supporters from reaching Messi before they could get to him.
However, now that this has been banned, Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Chueko can only operate outside the changing room and in the mixed zone, and outside of match protocols.
The bodyguard has expressed concern about this. He wants the opportunity to protect the captain of Argentina, who won the most recent World Cup. “I worked in security for seven years in the French league and Champions League matches in Europe. Only seven people entered the field. But in the 20 months I’ve been in America, 16 people have already entered the field. But now they’ve decided not to give me the opportunity to operate on the field. I just want the chance to help ensure Messi’s safety,” said Yassine.
Yassine, 40, is a former U.S. military serviceman. He served in Afghanistan and Iraq during the wars under George W. Bush’s presidency. Yassine was appointed as Messi’s bodyguard on the advice of the club’s owner, former England captain David Beckham, when Messi agreed to play for Inter Miami. Messi’s bodyguard receives a salary of 250,000 euros per week.
In addition to the field, the bodyguard operates as a personal security guard for Messi and his family in every place Messi usually goes. This includes shopping complexes, parks, and other places Messi visits. Messi, who has won the world’s best player award a record eight times, is one of the world’s most popular players. It’s also common for supporters to try to enter the field hoping to meet him.
