[imagesource: Instagram/@yasstcheuko]

‘Don’t Mess with Messi’ could very well be the bold headline of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard’s Curriculum Vitae, as he follows the Argentine soccer star’s every move like a hawk.

Following Messi’s move to Inter Miami in the United States in the summer of 2023, a whole new audience now has eyes on the man widely regarded as the best footballer in history. But with all those eyes on the icon, comes those of Messi’s unbelievably dedicated bodyguard, Yassine Chueko.

To say the dude is ALWAYS on is actually a bit of an understatement – in multiple clips shared on social media, showing the ex-soldier protecting Messi, you can see the bulked man flinging away the shirts fans throw at Messi, moving innocent hands off of his shoulder when fans take selfies with him and running fiercely alongside him on the soccer field.

One particular video highlights Chueko pacing up and down the touchline during a game, tracing the movements of Messi like a shadow.

Messi’s bodyguard walking up and down the pitch with him after that fan ran on the field. This guy probably doesn’t get paid enough 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/QD1hIOJ2eI

— R  (@Lionel30i) August 19, 2023

Seeing Chueko swipe Messi’s fans’ hands away is next-level (and hilarious):

 

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The bodyguard was brought into the fold at Inter Miami by David Beckham as soon as Messi joined the club, with one clear mission: to safeguard the former PSG superstar during public appearances, games, and personal time. Whether escorting him from the team coach to the changing rooms or shadowing him along the touchline, Chueko remains a constant presence, always within arm’s reach of the Argentine legend. His dedication to the role is unmistakable, showcasing just how seriously he takes his responsibilities.

This includes managing crowds, preventing potential threats, and staying alert to any unusual activities around Messi. The presence of such a highly trained bodyguard highlights the level of security necessary for someone of Messi’s stature.

Messi bodyguard detecting a threat 🤧 pic.twitter.com/0PILhgzJJW

— Mnyamani 📽 (@Zikamnyamane) October 7, 2024

It’s a logical move, especially considering the alarming rise in pitch invasions over recent seasons—it’s surprising that more clubs haven’t adopted similar protocols. Just look at the assault on Jack Grealish by a Birmingham City fan during his time at Aston Villa; it’s a stark reminder of how swiftly a player can be targeted when someone breaches the field.

Whether it be during games or around the stadium, he’s always there watching over the legendary forward.

So, while we understand the reasoning behind Chueko’s assignment to Messi, the question remains: who exactly is he?

 

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According to La Nacion, Messi’s new bodyguard has an impressive background as a former US Army soldier, having served as a Navy SEAL in both Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s clear that Chueko knows how to handle himself—his extensive experience in Mixed Martial Arts includes numerous bouts. For a glimpse of just how formidable he truly is, his Instagram account showcases his impressive physique and presence.

 

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While there is apparently a team of like 50 people dedicated to keeping Messi safe and sound, Chueko is paid super well for his job on the sidelines.

Per The Sun, the wage paid to Chueko is £198,000 (around R4,453,020) per year. However, there are suggestions that this could be closer to £3 million when all’s said and done. With the job he’s doing, there was always a strong possibility he would be handed a very healthy paycheck, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the actual figure being closer to the latter.

When Chueko isn’t just raking in lucrative deals from his bodyguard duties; he’s also being offered a prestigious position as a Martial Arts Ambassador for My.Club. While it remains unconfirmed whether he’ll accept this enticing role, the offer reportedly carries a hefty price tag of around £40,000 (just under R1 million).

Definitely an MVP of note.

[source:givemesport]