MLS has banned Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from stepping onto the field during games, limiting his role to off-field security.

Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been a visible presence since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, often seen chasing pitch invaders. His removal follows an incident during Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Monterrey, where he was reportedly involved in a confrontation with the opposing coaching staff.

Cheuko criticized MLS’s security issues, noting that pitch invasions are far more frequent in the U.S. than in European leagues. While he accepts the league’s decision, he insists, “I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.”

With Messi’s global fame making him a frequent target for pitch invaders, the league’s new security strategy remains under scrutiny.