- Yassine Cheuko is the former Navy Seal tasked with defending Messi
- He revealed the comment Messi made about him to his wife Antonela Roccuzzo
- Cheuko has made a name for himself by defending Messi quickly and powerfully
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has revealed how Lionel Messi movingly described him to his wife Antonela Roccuzzo after winning the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time.
He also gave insight into his relationship with the Inter Miami and Argentina star player.
Yassine Cheuko has become famous for the way he defends Messi in football stadiums.
The former American soldier, personally chosen by David Beckham as Messi’s bodyguard, intervenes with lightning speed and force against players entering the field to prevent unwanted behavior.
“Messi considers me not only as his bodyguard, but also as a friend. We talk, we laugh and get to know each other’s personalities,” Cheuko said.
Lionel Messi’s (right) bodyguard has revealed what the superstar said about him to his wife Antonela Roccuzzo in a ‘beautiful moment’
Messi paid his ubiquitous protector a huge compliment when speaking to Roccuzzo after his latest Ballon d’Or win
Former US soldier Yassine Cheuko has received much praise for the way he defends the star
“He always invites me to lunch and treats me well. When he won the Ballon d’Or, we were on the plane and he said to me: ‘Yassine, carry the Ballon d’Or in your hand!’
“I said to him, ‘Okay…’ At first I thought he wanted me to take it somewhere else.
‘And when I wore it, he said to his son and wife: “The winner of the Ballon d’Or for best bodyguard is Yassine.”
‘It was a beautiful moment and I will never forget those words from the best player in the world.
“I feel like I’m part of his family and I do my best to protect him not only physically but also psychologically, because he trusts me very much and depends on me and I, from my side, give him all my attention. He is very humble.”
It is a huge compliment for a bodyguard who has drawn praise from fans for his diligence in protecting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He sneaks along the touchline during matches to get as close to Messi as possible and is an imposing presence.
In April, he interrupted Inter Miami’s victory over Sporting Kansas City by tackling a fan who tried to get close to the Argentine superstar.
During football matches he remains alert, ready to take action if a threat arises.
David Beckham selected the former Navy Seal with combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan and expertise in martial arts
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi needs good protection in case anyone tries to harm him
In the final minutes of the match, Cheuko sprinted onto the field, after which the referee stopped the match.
The bodyguard had seen a fan running towards Messi from behind one of the goals, but he was looking the other way.
Before Cheuko could intervene, the supporter reached Messi and appeared to attempt a selfie with the Argentine icon, but was promptly tackled by Chueko as stadium security also stormed in.
Cheuko is quick on the scene and is known for anticipating potential threats quickly and reacting much faster than other security personnel.
The former Navy Seal has combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as experience in martial arts.