Miami, Florida – In a bizarre turn of events during a pre-season match in Panama, Inter Miami’s personal bodyguard for Lionel Messi, Yassine Cheuko, became an internet sensation after a pitch invader managed to hug the superstar mid-match.
The incident occurred during Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Sporting San Miguelito on Monday. As the Argentine legend was on the pitch, a fan sprinted toward him, intent on getting close. Cheuko, who has guarded Messi since his PSG days, attempted to intercept the intruder. However, in his efforts to block the fan, Cheuko lost his footing and ended up slide-tackling, inadvertently allowing the fan to reach Messi and embrace him before security intervened.
A video of the encounter quickly went viral, capturing the unexpected mishap that left Cheuko momentarily embarrassed on the field. Inter Miami has always prioritized Messi’s safety, with club owner David Beckham reportedly recommending Cheuko for the role.
Cheuko, whose reported annual salary is $3.5 million, has a background in MMA and has been with Messi since his time at PSG. Rumors had circulated that he might be an ex-Navy SEAL, but these claims were dismissed by Inter Miami owner Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino during a press conference. Martino clarified, “He had never been to the United States. He wasn’t in the war or part of the U.S. military. Reports become a giant smoke bomb that is false and can cause issues for a good person.”
The incident, while humorous to many online, underscores the unpredictable nature of crowd interactions in football. Cheuko has since recovered from his fall, and officials view the incident as a light-hearted mishap rather than a serious security breach.
For fans and media alike, the viral video serves as a reminder that even the most experienced professionals can have an off moment. As Messi continues to shine on the pitch, Cheuko’s commitment to his role remains unquestioned—even if, on this occasion, his efforts resulted in an unexpected slip.
