Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko said he has been forbidden to protect the Argentine forward from the touch line during the Inter Miami matches.
Cheuko gained widespread recognition after videos on social media showed him carefully to watch the audience to prevent potential pitch invaders from hurting the eight-time balloon d’Or winner.
“They no longer allow me to be on the field,” the bodyguard was quoted as saying by Spanish media.
“I was in Europe for seven years, worked for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the field. I came to the US and in just 20 months 16 people have already done it. There is a huge problem here, let me help Messi.”
Major League Soccer said on Tuesday that its protocols regarding holding security guards had not changed, and several sides had appointed hold security guards stationed near team benches on the field.
Inter Miami has been contacted for comment.
