The star presence of Lionel Messi knows no bounds and it’s certainly keeping his bodyguard busy during Inter Miami’s pre-season.
Yassine Cheuko has become an instant cult hero for his body-on-the-line approach to protecting perhaps the greatest soccer star of all time.
Inter Miami have had pre-season games so far in the likes of Panama and Peru and fans have been desperate to get a closer glimpse of Messi.
The only place he has yet to be truly welcomed was by the Mexican fans of Club America. Messi’s teammate Federico Redondo was less than impressed by the disrespect shown to the star.
Cheuko asks for more to be done
The former MMA fighter recently failed to apprehend an invader during Miami’s preseason clash with Panamanian side Sporting San Miguelito. He slipped on the pitch and allowed a fan to hug the great Argentine before he could be dragged away.
In the same game, Messi was on the end of a red card tackle which ‘concerned’ Mascherano.
Following the tackle Messi is likely to be wrapped in cotton wool for the Herons remaining pre-season game against Orlado City FC, no fault of bodyguard Cheuko.
Cheuko has now taken to his social media to call on stadium security to protect players on the field more, saying: “It is not my role to apprehend fans who invade the field. That is the responsibility of the stadium security staff. But let’s be honest: most of them — and I emphasize most, without generalizing — are not fully focused on their duties. Instead of ensuring security, they are more occupied with watching the game or taking photos and videos. And because they are not paying attention, I made the decision, on my own initiative, to step in and handle the situation in case of an intrusion.
“Please, gentlemen of the security staff, I ask you with all the respect and seriousness this deserves: stay vigilant. Do the job you are paid to do. The safety of the stadium, the players, and the fans depends on you. I will always be there to support you, always ready to intervene when needed. But if you do not do your part, this mission becomes very difficult for me to handle alone.”
He continued his urge for more to be done to prevent fans from putting players on the field in danger, hoping that his voice could make change happen.
Messi’s pre-season numbers
Messi has featured in all four of Inter Miami’s pre-season games under new manager Javier Mascherano.
Despite there being some doubt about Messi’s inclusion against Club Olimpia, the star scored in a comfortable 5-0 win.
Messi has now scored twice during the pre-season, but the ultimate goal was to get minutes in the legs of the star ahead of the season opener.
The Argentine has started all four games, and while he is yet to complete 90 minutes he has played a large proportion of most games.
Messi will be key for Inter Miami’s opening MLS game against New York City FC on February 22.