Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has revealed a moving anecdote about how the Argentine star described him to his wife Antonela Roccuzzo after winning his eighth Ballon d’Or. In addition, Cheuko has given a deeper insight into the relationship he maintains with the star of Inter Miami and the Argentine national team.
Cheuko, a former American soldier, has gained public notoriety for his effectiveness in protecting Messi in soccer stadiums. Personally selected by David Beckham to be Messi’s bodyguard, Cheuko intervenes with speed and strength to prevent any improper behavior from the pitch invaders.
“Messi not only considers me his bodyguard, but also a friend. We talked, we laughed and we got to know each other,” Cheuko said. “He always invites me to lunch and treats me well. When he won the Ballon d’Or, we were on the plane and he told me: ‘Yassine, carry the Ballon d’Or in your hand!’”
“I said, ‘Okay…’ At first I thought he wanted me to take him somewhere else. And then, when he was carrying him, he told his son and his wife: ‘The winner of the Ballon d’Or for best bodyguard is Yassine.’”
“It was a beautiful moment and words that I will never forget from the best player in the world. I feel like I am part of his family and I try very hard to protect him, not only from the physical point of view, but also from the psychological point of view, because he trusts me a lot and depends on me and, for my part, I give him everything. my attention. “He is very humble.”
These are words of high praise for a bodyguard who has won plaudits from fans for his diligence in protecting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. During matches, Cheuko patrols the touchline to be as close to Messi as possible, being a imposing presence.
In April, he interrupted Inter Miami’s victory over Sporting Kansas City by stopping a fan who was trying to approach the Argentine superstar. In the final minutes of the game, Cheuko ran onto the field, prompting the referee to pause the match. Cheuko had spotted a fan running from behind one of the goals towards Messi, who was facing the opposite direction.
Before Cheuko could intervene, the fan caught up with Messi and attempted to take a selfie with the Argentine icon. But he was quickly taken down by Cheuko as stadium security also approached.
Quick to react, Cheuko is praised for anticipating potential threats and reacting much faster than other security personnel. With experience in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and in martial arts, the former Navy Seal has proven to be an invaluable protection for Messi.
