Yassine Cheuko has shot to public prominence for how effectively he defends Messi at football stadiums. 

The former US soldier, handpicked by David Beckham to be Messi’s bodyguard, intervenes against pitch invaders with lightning speed and strength to prevent any untoward behaviour. 

‘Messi does not consider me only his bodyguard but also a friend. We talk, we laugh, and get to know our personalities together,’ Cheuko said.

‘He always invites me to lunch and treats me well. When he won the Ballon d’Or, we were on the plane and he told me, “Yassine, carry the Ballon d’Or in your hand!”

‘I told him, “Okay…” At first I thought he wanted me to carry it somewhere else.

‘And then when I carried it, he said to his son and wife: “The winner of the Ballon d’Or for the best bodyguard is Yassine.” 

‘It was a beautiful moment and words I will never forget from the best player in the world. 

‘I feel as if I am part of his family and I am trying hard to protect him not only from the physical side but also from the psychological side, because he trusts me a lot and depends on me and for my part I give all my focus to him. He is very humble.’

It is high praise for a bodyguard who has won plaudits from fans for his diligence in protecting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Stalking the touchline during matches to be as close to Messi as possible, he is an imposing presence. 

In April he interrupted Inter Miami’s win at Sporting Kansas City to tackle a fan as he attempted to get close to the Argentinian superstar.

In the closing minutes of the game, Cheuko sprinted onto the field – prompting the referee to pause the match.

The bodyguard had spotted a fan running from behind one of the goals towards Messi – who was facing the opposite direction.

Before Cheuko could intervene, the supporter reached Messi and appeared to try and take a selfie with the Argentina icon. But he was promptly tackled by Chueko as stadium security also swarmed.

Quick out of the blocks, Cheuko is credited for anticipating potential threats quickly and reacting much faster than other security staff. 

The former Navy Seal has combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as experience in martial arts. 

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Source: Tampa Bay Times