Yassine Chueko is the security professional widely known for accompanying Lionel Messi at public appearances and Inter Miami matches. His prominent presence near Messi—and, at times, close to the pitch—made him a familiar figure to fans. Some coverage spells his surname Cheuko.
What is Yassine Chueko known for?
Chueko is publicly associated with protecting Messi and staying close to him at appearances and matches. His visible matchday role included responding when fans tried to approach the footballer, which drew attention in viral clips and sports coverage.
Coverage also places Chueko in Messi’s security orbit during the Paris Saint-Germain period. The available reporting does not establish every detail of his employment history, so it is more accurate to describe him as Messi’s widely recognized security professional than to claim a fully documented career timeline.
Was Messi’s bodyguard a Navy SEAL?
That label is not established. Accounts of Chueko’s military background have varied: a 2023 Univision report described him as an ex-servicemember who had fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, but those claims are not independently established in the reporting cited here. ESPN’s April 2025 report noted a correction to an earlier Reuters description that called him a former Navy SEAL. The SEAL claim should not be repeated as fact.
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Why could Chueko no longer go on the field?
In April 2025, Chueko said he was no longer permitted on the field during matches. The Guardian quoted him telling House of Highlights, “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.” The Guardian reported that he would still be allowed in locker rooms and mixed zones.
ESPN reported that Inter Miami said the decision was made by the club, not Major League Soccer. MLS said its security protocols had not changed and noted that multiple teams have designated security guards near their benches. ESPN also reported that Chueko remained a club employee and part of its security detail. Those distinctions matter: the change concerned his access to the field, not an announced end to his security role.
Rank #2
- Classic Toy for Sports Lovers: These Football Guys are a great gift for kids and families who love football and action figures. Inspire a lifelong love and understanding of the game through creative play all year long
- Teach the Game of Football: These football toys are a fun way for parents and coaches to explain the rules of the game, positioning on the field, and strategy to every young football fan, without the need to step foot in a stadium
- Football-Themed Party Planning: This versatile sports action figure set is a fun party decoration and a great centerpiece for birthdays, tailgates, or football-themed celebrations. The figures also double as playful cake and cupcake toppers
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- Included in Set: Each set contains 26 2” players for two full teams, one referee, two goalposts, a 32” x 20” washable felt field, an instruction booklet with football rules and strategy, and a 10” x 6” x 5” stackable carry container with lid and handle
What did Chueko say about pitch invasions?
In the same House of Highlights interview, Chueko compared his experience in Europe and the United States. As quoted by The Guardian on April 1, 2025, he said he had seen six pitch invasions during seven years working in Europe, compared with 16 in 20 months in the United States, and argued that there was “a huge problem here.” These figures are Chueko’s own account, not an independently verified league statistic.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is not established about him?
- His complete, independently documented military record and the specific deployments sometimes attributed to him.
- His salary, exact contract terms, and the full structure of Messi’s security team.
- A complete employment history covering every stage of Messi’s career.
Claims about those subjects should be treated cautiously unless supported by specific, reliable reporting. Chueko’s surname also appears as “Cheuko” in some coverage; “Chueko” is used here.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic Toy for Sports Lovers: These Football Guys are a great gift for kids and families who love football and action figures. Inspire a lifelong love and understanding of the game through creative play all year long
- Teach the Game of Football: These football toys are a fun way for parents and coaches to explain the rules of the game, positioning on the field, and strategy to every young football fan, without the need to step foot in a stadium
- Football-Themed Party Planning: This versatile sports action figure set is a fun party decoration and a great centerpiece for birthdays, tailgates, or football-themed celebrations. The figures also double as playful cake and cupcake toppers
- Timeless Play That Never Ages: A true generational toy, Football Guys brings back the joy of classic action figures while giving kids today a chance to experience the game in a hands-on, screen-free way
- Included in Set: Each set contains 26 2” players for two full teams, one referee, two goalposts, a 32” x 20” washable felt field, an instruction booklet with football rules and strategy, and a 10” x 6” x 5” stackable carry container with lid and handle
Rank #4
- Classic Toy for Sports Lovers: These Football Guys are a great gift for kids and families who love football and action figures. Inspire a lifelong love and understanding of the game through creative play all year long
- Teach the Game of Football: These football toys are a fun way for parents and coaches to explain the rules of the game, positioning on the field, and strategy to every young football fan, without the need to step foot in a stadium
- Football-Themed Party Planning: This versatile sports action figure set is a fun party decoration and a great centerpiece for birthdays, tailgates, or football-themed celebrations. The figures also double as playful cake and cupcake toppers
- Timeless Play That Never Ages: A true generational toy, Football Guys brings back the joy of classic action figures while giving kids today a chance to experience the game in a hands-on, screen-free way
- Included in Set: Each set contains 26 2” players for two full teams, one referee, two goalposts, a 32” x 20” washable felt field, an instruction booklet with football rules and strategy, and a 10” x 6” x 5” stackable carry container with lid and handle
Rank #3
- Classic Toy for Sports Lovers: These Football Guys are a great gift for kids and families who love football and action figures. Inspire a lifelong love and understanding of the game through creative play all year long
- Teach the Game of Football: These football toys are a fun way for parents and coaches to explain the rules of the game, positioning on the field, and strategy to every young football fan, without the need to step foot in a stadium
- Football-Themed Party Planning: This versatile sports action figure set is a fun party decoration and a great centerpiece for birthdays, tailgates, or football-themed celebrations. The figures also double as playful cake and cupcake toppers
- Timeless Play That Never Ages: A true generational toy, Football Guys brings back the joy of classic action figures while giving kids today a chance to experience the game in a hands-on, screen-free way
- Included in Set: Each set contains 26 2” players for two full teams, one referee, two goalposts, a 32” x 20” washable felt field, an instruction booklet with football rules and strategy, and a 10” x 6” x 5” stackable carry container with lid and handle
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
