SUMMARY
- Lionel Messi's bodyguard is an experienced Mixed Martial Artist, sworn to protect the Argentine.
- Yassine Chueko who is known to be overprotective of Lionel Messi just added another instance of such.
Lionel Messi barely survived a scary moment on the soccer pitch. The Argentine player was playing against Sporting Kansas City when a fan invaded the pitch to get hold of his idol.
However, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard was quick to come to his rescue and prevented any mishappening. The amusing incident invited a lot of reactions on the social media platform X, with fans providing their varied opinions.
Messi’s bodyguard is locked in 24/7 😅🔒pic.twitter.com/CnX3boNdDy
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) April 14, 2024
The user ‘Ghost’ commented, “Lmoa this fella is over reacting through 😂.” ‘Ghost’ was pretty amused by the strange incident during a highly competitive game.
‘Gringo’ commented, “boy can run.” While the user ‘Martinmario’ highlighted his security concerns around the American League. They wrote, “Very unserious league.”
And finally ‘Robert Dusk’ commented, “Since when a bodyguard is allowed to invade the pitch mid game? I understand that a fan went in but still…” The user looked disgusted by the preferential treatment given to Lionel Messi.
Who is Messi’s famous bodyguard?
The controversy around the whole game surfaced after Lionel Messi’s bodyguard abruptly entered the pitch to save his employer from a pitch invader. However, it isn’t the first that the bodyguard has landed himself in trouble.
Yassine Chueko is the man responsible for providing security to Lionel Messi and his family. The bodyguard who is believed to have been in his thirties leads a team of 50 men that work for their FIFA World Cup 2022 winning employer.
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 is reportedly a very well-trained combat fighter who is proficient in the likes of mixed martial arts, Taekwondo, and boxing. The man stands at a height of around 6 feet and is a very intimidating figure by his looks. Given his great resume, it is estimated that Yassine Chueko is around $3.5 million per year for being a bodyguard to Lionel Messi.
However, he hasn’t steered clear from controversies as well. Chueko has been criticized for being a bit over-protective about Lionel Messi around his fans. The recent incident in the game against Kansas City is a prime example of that. Moreover, there were rumors about the bodyguard being a former US Navy Seal, which ultimately proved to be false.
Lionel Messi scores from a distance as Inter Miami emerges victorious
Apart from the unwanted fan altercation, the Argentine and his team had a pleasant outing against Sporting Kansas City. The team continued its great start to the MLS season by beating the home team 3-2 on the night.
Kansas City’s Erik Thommy gave his team an early lead by scoring a well-placed goal in the 6th minute. Diego Gomez from Inter Miami would soon score the equalizer for his team. The two teams were thus inseparable at the stroke of half-time.
However, Inter Miami would soon launch a comeback with Lionel Messi scoring a delightful goal from outside the opposition’s penalty box. It was a classic Messi goal with the Argentine receiving, taking a touch, and then launching a ferocious strike from his favored left foot.
LIONEL MESSI WHAT A BANGER GOAL 🐐 pic.twitter.com/7yzgdOZnhh
— L/M Football (@lmfootbalI) April 14, 2024
Eric Thommy would then come back to haunt Inter Miami once more, just seven minutes after Leo Messi’s goal. The Sporting KC player scored via a thumping volley in the 57th minute from a corner kick to put his team 2-1 ahead. However, a 71st-minute winner from Luis Suarez sealed Kansas City’s fate on the night.
With the win, Inter Miami solidified its position as the leader of the Eastern Conference of MLS 2024. The star-studded club has 15 points from 9 games and is tied with NY Red Bulls who have played one fewer game than Miami. As for Sporting KC, it was the club’s 2nd loss of the season, and are placed 8th in the Western Conference.
Up next, Sporting Kansas City takes on Saint Louis City SC on April 21 away from home. While Nashville SC will travel to Miami to face Lionel Messi and co. on the same day.