Meet Lionel Messi's bodyguard, a former US Navy SEAL who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, David Beckham...
In this series of images, we shall know about Lionel Messi's bodyguard, a former US Navy SEAL who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
By Akshat Jain | Updated: January 1, 2025 4:20 PM IST
In this series of images, we shall know about Lionel Messi's bodyguard, a former US Navy SEAL who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Football fans who were previously unaware of his extraordinary skills are now witnessing them up close. Alongside this, something else that has caught attention since his transfer to Miami is his bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko.
Multiple videos have gone viral on social media showing Cheuko closely following the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon. One notable clip features him walking up and down the touchline during a match, keeping a close watch on Messi's every move.
Just watch an Inter Miami match, and you'll spot the figure on the sidelines, closely trailing Messi like a shadow. Whether it's during the game or around the stadium, he is always present, keeping a watchful eye on the legendary player.
David Beckham enlisted the bodyguard at Inter Miami after Messi's arrival, giving him the primary responsibility of safeguarding the former PSG star on match days. Whether it's escorting Messi from the team coach to the locker room or closely shadowing his every move along the touchline during a game, Cheuko remains always nearby, demonstrating his dedication to the role.
As reported by La Nacion, Messi's new bodyguard previously served as a soldier in the United States Army and was also a Navy SEAL, with deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq. With a background in Mixed Martial Arts and having participated in several fights, Cheuko is more than capable of handling any situation.
After gaining significant attention for his role at Inter Miami games, many might think that Cheuko is the sole person responsible for guarding the 2022 World Cup champion. However, reports suggest that a team of approximately 50 individuals has been specifically assigned to ensure the safety of the Argentine footballer 24/7.
According to The Sun, Cheuko's annual salary is reported to be £198,000 ($250,000). However, some believe that the total could rise to around £3 million when all factors are considered. Given the nature of his role, it's not surprising that his compensation is substantial, and it wouldn't be unexpected if the actual figure is closer to the higher estimate.
Cheuko is not only earning from his bodyguard role, but he has also been offered an opportunity as a Martial Arts Ambassador for My.Club. Although it's unclear whether he will accept the position, the offer is reportedly valued at approximately £40,000 ($50,000).