The only man to get close to Messi in MLS! Yassine Chueko is the former US soldier personally selected by David Beckham to follow the Argentina star EVERYWHERE at Inter Miami… and MMA fighter even shadows him while he’s celebrating!

Lionel Messi’s fairytale start in MLS continued on Wednesday night with Inter Miami’s 5-4 win in the US Open Cup semi-finals against Cincinnati.

The 36-year-old assisted both goals in regular time as Inter Miami came back from a 2-0 deficit before gaining the upper hand from the spot after the sides were 3-3 down after extra time.

With that, the newly formed team secured a place in the finals of the country’s oldest and most prestigious knockout football competition, which dates back to 1913.

And the team’s second final since the arrival of Messi last month. But despite their success on the field, it was the superstar’s bodyguard that continued to make headlines.

Thanks to his huge celebrity, Messi is flanked by personal protection that stays close even when he’s on the field of play.

Yassine Chueko raced down the field as Inter Miami celebrated the late equalizer against Cincinnati

Chueko is a former Navy Seal with combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan and expertise in martial arts

The bodyguard came on Wednesday – who, according to La Nacionis former US soldier Yassine Chueko – rushed down the touchline and even passed the corner flag as Messi and his Miami teammates celebrated Leonardo Campana’s equalizer well into stoppage time.

It is the latest in a series of personal protection sightings of the former Barcelona striker, reportedly brought on board specifically by co-owner David Beckham.

Chueko is a former Navy Seal with combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan, with expertise in martial arts, taekwondo, boxing and has participated in several MMA fights.

Whether you’re walking from the team coach to the changing rooms, or strolling along the touchline watching Messi’s movements during a match, he’s always within easy reach of the Argentine.

Beckham’s decision to select the highly skilled Chueko comes amid the rising number of field invaders in recent years. And given the buzz generated by his incredible start in MLS, the choice seems all the more sensible.

Chueko was specifically selected by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham to protect their star

Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard (right) is doing everything he can to ensure the Inter Miami star’s safety

Chueko (right) is also an expert boxer and has participated in several MMA fights

Inter Miami’s commitment to Messi’s safety was set out by the co-owner Jorge Mas, who led the charm offensive to get him to the United States in June.

“Security will of course be improved.” He told the Miami Herald. ‘Players are brought in by bus, through a tunnel. All these security protocols are already prepared, both here and on the road. And it doesn’t just apply to our games.

“It’s going to be an everyday occurrence and something that we witnessed and I thought was handled very well when (Messi) was here with Argentina before the World Cup.

“As you may remember, Argentina trained in Miami before flying to Doha. We had the chance every day during training to see some of the Messi mania at our doors. So we are very prepared. We have prepared for this.’