Former US Navy special forces protect Messi

Inter Miami hired Yassine Chueko – a former special forces officer who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq – as a bodyguard, closely protecting Lionel Messi on match days.

Messi’s bodyguard attracted attention by always following closely from the moment the Argentine star stepped off the team bus.

This person escorted Messi to the field and then followed him into the tunnel after the match and to the bus. In a video posted on Twitter – the social network that has changed its name to

The former navy special forces member followed closely as Messi signed autographs for fans outside DRV PNK Stadium, before Inter Miami played Orlando City in the round of 16 Leagues Cup on August 2. Photo: AFP

When the match is going on, this bodyguard even walks along the touchline and closely follows Messi ‘s balls . In the American National Cup semi-final victory over Cincinnati on August 24, after assisting Leonardo Campana for a header to equalize the score in second half stoppage time, Messi and his teammates went to the corner of the field to celebrate. At that time, the bodyguard also ran from the middle of the field to the corner flagpole to closely follow Messi. Similar moments also happened in previous matches of Inter Miami.

According to British newspaper Sportmail , this person’s task in the match is to prevent aggressive athletes who intend to approach Messi or catch the jerseys that fans in the stands throw towards the owner of the seven Golden Balls.

Argentine newspaper La Nacion revealed that Messi’s bodyguard is former Navy Seal Yassine Chueko, who has combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, is good at taekwondo, boxing and has participated in several MMA matches.

Co-owner David Beckham chose Chueko because of his high expertise in the context of an increasing number of enthusiastic fans running onto the field in recent years. This is considered a reasonable decision, especially when Messi got off to an explosive start, helping Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup and win the first title in history.

Co-owner Jorge Mas also pledged absolute safety for Messi and his family when moving to Inter Miami . “Security will obviously be enhanced,” he told the Miami Herald in June. “The players will go through a tunnel and all the security protocols are in place for both home and away games.” guests. That doesn’t just happen on match day, it happens every day.”

Mas said the security team did a good job when Messi and the Argentina team trained in Miami before flying to Doha to prepare for the 2022 World Cup. “We have the opportunity to witness the Messi craze right in Miami, every day.” during practice. Therefore, we are very carefully prepared and ready,” he emphasized.

In the next match on August 26 (morning of August 27, Hanoi time), Inter Miami will be a guest at New York Red Bulls Stadium. This is expected to be Messi’s debut in the American Professional Soccer League MLS.