Lionel Messi Bodyguard: The Full Story of Yassine Cheuko

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Lionel Messi, the global football icon, is not only admired for his genius on the pitch but also recognized as one of the most protected athletes in the world. Among his circle of protection, no figure has gained as much public attention as Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko. Over time, Cheuko has become famous for his fast sprints, physical interventions, and controversies surrounding his role.

This article takes a detailed look at who Lionel Messi’s bodyguard is, what controversies have surrounded him, the truth about his salary, whether Messi employs more than one guard, and even the speculation about how many languages he speaks.

Who Is the Bodyguard of Lionel Messi?

The man commonly known as Lionel Messi’s bodyguard is Yassine Cheuko. He is often spotted near Messi at matches, public events, and even while Messi is out with his family. Born in 1989, Cheuko is in his mid-30s and has mixed heritage, with a Moroccan father and a French mother.

He is highly trained in martial arts and fitness. Reports highlight that he has practiced disciplines like mixed martial arts, boxing, and possibly taekwondo. His lean but muscular physique, coupled with lightning-fast reactions, make him stand out. Fans first noticed him during Messi’s matches in Paris, but he gained true viral attention after following Messi to Inter Miami in 2023.

What Happened with Messi’s Bodyguard?

The rise of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard to internet fame has not been without controversy. Several key events have put him in the spotlight:

Pitch Invaders and Viral Fame
During Inter Miami matches, Cheuko was seen sprinting at lightning speed across the sidelines to stop pitch invaders before they could reach Messi. These dramatic interventions quickly went viral online, cementing his reputation as a fierce protector.
Touchline Ban
In April 2025, the Major League Soccer (MLS) authorities announced that Lionel Messi’s bodyguard would no longer be allowed to patrol the touchline during games. The league clarified that official team security personnel are responsible for sideline safety, not personal bodyguards. Cheuko himself admitted he was frustrated, pointing out that pitch invasions were far more common in the United States than they had been in European leagues.
Tournament Suspension
In August 2025, Cheuko was suspended for the remainder of the Leagues Cup after an incident in which he entered a restricted technical area to intervene in a heated moment during Inter Miami’s clash with Atlas. Officials judged his actions to be outside the boundaries of his role, leading to disciplinary measures.

Despite these setbacks, Cheuko remains closely linked to Messi’s personal security team.

Who Is Messi’s New Bodyguard?

Although rumors often circulate, there is no official confirmation of a “new” bodyguard replacing Cheuko. As of late 2025, Messi still relies on Yassine Cheuko as his primary protector. While his presence on the sidelines has been restricted during matches, he continues to be part of Messi’s day-to-day security operations.

This suggests that Messi values loyalty and trust above all in his personal protection, and Cheuko remains central to that trust.

lionel messi bodyguard

How Much Does Messi’s Bodyguard Get Paid?

The question of money always sparks curiosity: how much does Lionel Messi’s bodyguard earn? Official salary figures are not publicly disclosed, but multiple estimates circulate in the media.

Lower estimates suggest an annual salary of around $250,000, a figure consistent with high-end private security specialists.
Mid-range estimates place his earnings closer to $2 million per year, reflecting the extraordinary profile of protecting someone like Messi.
High estimates suggest as much as $3 million annually, with rumors of additional bonuses depending on performance or specific protection duties.
In some international outlets, his earnings have been converted into other currencies, with inflated figures appearing in headlines, adding to the myth around his pay.

The truth likely lies somewhere between the lower and higher estimates. Given Messi’s immense wealth and global status, paying a few million dollars annually for top-tier personal security is not implausible.

Does Messi Have Security Guards Beyond His Bodyguard?

Yes, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard is not the only person responsible for keeping him safe. While Cheuko is the most visible, Messi has a layered security system:

Team Security Staff: Inter Miami and MLS employ professional security officers tasked with maintaining order at stadiums. They are positioned near benches, tunnels, and player entrances.
Private Security Team: Reports suggest that Cheuko is not alone but leads or works alongside a team of guards. Some sources claim as many as 50 individuals may be involved in Messi’s broader protection network.
Family Protection: Beyond the pitch, bodyguards accompany Messi’s family at events, shopping trips, or vacations, ensuring privacy and safety.

Thus, while fans often focus on one figure, the reality is that Messi’s safety is a well-organized, multi-layered operation.

How Many Languages Does Messi’s Bodyguard Speak?

Another popular question is: how many languages does Lionel Messi’s bodyguard actually speak?

Here, information is less clear and often speculative. It is widely assumed that Cheuko speaks English, since much of his current work is based in the United States. With French heritage from his mother, it is also believed that he speaks French. Given his Moroccan roots, some suggest he speaks Arabic as well.

However, no official record or interview has confirmed the exact number of languages. This means most claims are based on assumptions about his background rather than documented facts. At the very least, it is safe to conclude he is multilingual, but whether he speaks two, three, or more languages remains uncertain.

Why So Much Attention on Messi’s Bodyguard?

The story of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard resonates with fans for several reasons:

Visibility: Unlike most bodyguards, Cheuko has been seen in action during matches, making him part of the public spectacle.
Viral Clips: Videos of him racing across the pitch to tackle intruders spread rapidly, creating a sense of drama.
Controversies: His bans and suspensions add a layer of intrigue, sparking debate about the balance between personal security and official regulations.
Mystique: Unverified claims about his military past, huge salary, and language skills add an aura of mystery.

In short, he is not just a protector — he has become a character in the Messi story.

Current Status of Messi’s Bodyguard

As of late 2025, here is the latest update on Lionel Messi’s bodyguard:

He continues to serve as Messi’s personal protector, especially off the pitch.
His access to the sidelines during matches has been restricted due to league rules.
He has faced suspensions in certain competitions when his interventions were judged inappropriate.
His salary remains a matter of speculation, with figures ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions annually.
No replacement or “new bodyguard” has been confirmed; he remains the key figure in Messi’s personal security.

Final Thoughts

The story of Lionel Messi’s bodyguard is about more than just one man protecting a football superstar. It reflects the unique challenges of modern fame, where athletes are not only players but also global celebrities, constantly surrounded by adoring fans and unpredictable situations.

Yassine Cheuko has become famous in his own right, embodying both the dedication and controversy that come with protecting one of the most beloved figures in sport. While much about his past and personal life remains unclear, his role in Messi’s journey is undeniable.

As fans continue to debate how much he earns, what languages he speaks, or what really happened during his suspensions, one thing is certain: Lionel Messi’s bodyguard will continue to be a figure of fascination as long as Messi remains in the spotlight.