- Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will not participate in the Major League Soccer play-offs
- The star enjoyed some time off in Florida before a big week ahead
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Lionel Messi is making the most of his much-needed time off by relaxing in Florida with his wife Anontela Roccuzzo, but as with most Inter Miami matches, his bodyguard is prowling nearby.
Messi, 36, was seen relaxing with Antonela in Naples, Florida, ahead of a big week in which he is expected to win the Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday and be named best footballer of the year for the eighth time in his career crowned. .
He was pictured soaking up the sun in Miami by an adoring fan, but it wasn’t purely a family outing.
Messi’s ex-Navy SEAL bodyguard Yassine Chueko was pictured in one of the images, sitting a short distance from Messi and Antonela and spot-checking anyone who posed a security risk.
Chueko is usually seen during Miami matches, walking along the sidelines and following Messi around the pitch to keep him safe.
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo were relaxing in Florida as their bodyguard sat nearby
Yassine Chueko, an ex-Navy SEAL, is usually spotted next to Messi during Inter Miami matches
Recently, Chueko stopped a young fan from approaching Messi before letting him meet his idol
The Argentina World Cup winner is one of the most famous faces ever in the world of sports and gaming and is often disturbed by fans running onto the pitch and approaching Messi for a selfie.
Earlier in October, Chueko instinctively came to life when an eight-year-old fan ran onto the pitch at Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium when Messi was nearby.
Chueko reacted quickly to prevent the boy from getting to Messi, but when he realized he was just a child, he walked over to his idol with the fan and they had their picture taken together.
It is unclear whether Chueko will have to protect Messi alone in the United States or whether he will travel to France with the star. Messi has lived in Paris for two years, so it is possible he will have his own security arrangements when he is in the French capital.
But shortly after Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi and Miami will head to China for a post-season tour.
The plan was initially to play two matches, but one was canceled according to the South China Morning Post.
Miami narrowly missed the Major League Soccer play-offs after a poor start to the season before Messi’s arrival.