Unexpected MLS penalty for Lionel Messi: Access for one individual denied

Lionel Messi's bodyguard is now banned from the sidelines in MLS.
© Rich Storry/Getty ImagesLionel Messi's bodyguard is now banned from the sidelines in MLS.

After being left out of the Argentina national team for the FIFA international break, Lionel Messi returned to play this weekend against Philadelphia, even scoring a goal in the 2-1 victory. However, the soccer star has also received a setback from MLS, and the news has attracted a lot of attention.

From the moment Lionel Messi decided to join Inter Miami, he caused a real revolution throughout the United States. And in this context, he was forced to reinforce his security. Thus, every time he leaves his house, he is accompanied by his bodyguard, although now there will be a controversial restriction.

“They no longer allow me to be on the field,” Yassine Cheuko, security of Messi, said in a video. And at the same time, he made a forceful statement. “I was in Europe working for seven years for Ligue One and the Champions League, only six people entered the field. I arrived in the USA, in the 20 months that I have been here, 16 people have entered, added the visibly annoyed former soldier. But he didn’t stop there.

“There is a huge problem here, I am not the problem, let me help Leo...I love the MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together, I love to help. I am not better than anyone, but I have my experience from Europe,” Cheuko concluded. Although he also clarified: “I understand the decision.”

New security protocol for Messi

To be clear, Messi’s bodyguard will no longer be able to accompany him on the field in any of his matches, both in MLS and in the Concachampions. In this way, the issue is already on the agenda at Inter Miami, and Messi is once again at the center of the scene.

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Cheuko’s concerns about security in MLS

Yassine Cheuko’s comments highlight concerns about security protocols in MLS compared to European leagues. His experience in Europe, where he says field intrusions were rare, contrasts sharply with his experience in the United States.

The restriction on Cheuko’s sideline access raises questions about Messi’s security. While he will still be protected by security personnel, the absence of his personal bodyguard on the field could make him more vulnerable to potential threats.

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