He brought not just magic with the ball—but also a high-stakes security situation. Suddenly, pitch invaders, roaring crowds, and superstar-level attention became everyday game-day drama. It’s in that charged context that the move made waves: why Messi bodyguard banned from MLS sidelines. In this article, ZaneyStrike will walk you through every twist of this surprising ban — what happened, who’s affected, what it means for Messi’s security, and how fans and the league have reacted.
The rise of Cheuko and his role at Inter Miami
To understand the ban, we need a bit of backstory. When Messi signed for Inter Miami in 2023, one of his conditions reportedly was tight personal security—a role filled by Yassine Cheuko. Over the past two seasons, Cheuko became a viral presence: ever alert, sprinting down touchlines to intercept pitch invaders, and intervening whenever fans got too close. His presence felt like part of Messi’s aura, the unseen shield complementing the goal machine’s brilliance.
Yet even in Europe — where Cheuko claims to have worked in Ligue 1 and Champions League contexts — his style was bold. But the U.S. soccer environment, with different stadium security norms and tighter access rules, would ultimately strain that method.
What led to the ban: rules, protocols and the breaking point
MLS and Inter Miami restrict his pitch access
The turning point came in early April 2025. Messi, Cheuko later confirmed, was told he could no longer occupy the touchline during MLS matches. He publicly stated: “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”, the ban was not the result of a sudden rule change — MLS insisted that its protocols for team security had not shifted — but rather a decision to centralize security and avoid uncredentialed personnel near the pitch. Inter Miami agreed, officially pulling Cheuko, though he remained part of the club’s broader security team.
The Leagues Cup eruption: pushing beyond boundaries
Then came the flashpoint. On July 30, 2025, after Inter Miami’s 2–1 win over Club Atlas, a post-match scuffle spiraled. During the melee, Cheuko ran onto the field without pro. The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee deemed this “entering restricted areas without an official event credential” and ordered immediate action. He was banned, and Inter Miami was fined (amount undisclosed).
In short: crossing the boundary.
Reaction and controversy: protection or overreach?
The ban prompted passionate debate among fans, pundits, and stakeholders.
- Supporters of the ban argue that no security figure — however well-intentioned — should override league accreditation protocols. Having a private guard intervening in player conflicts can blur lines and stir chaos.
- Detractors counter that Cheuko’s removal weakens Messi’s personal protection, especially given the rush of pitch invaders his presence once deterred. Some point out that since Messi’s arrival, invasions have surged in MLS.
- Cheuko himself expressed frustration, insisting he was not the problem but a needed solution. He emphasized his experience in Europe and the difference in stadium safety culture between the U.S. and Europe.
- Inter Miami’s insiders reportedly are caught in between — needing to comply with league mandates while preserving Messi’s sense of safety.
The reaction reveals a deeper tension: balancing global star protection and league-wide standards of security.
Implications: Messi’s safety, club dynamics, and league precedent
Messi’s security recalibrated
Without Cheuko on the sidelines, Messi must rely fully on MLS-provided security. While that system is likely capable, it lacks the personal responsiveness and trust that a longtime bodyguard can provide. On high-pressure matchdays with unruly fans or sudden invasions, that could shift risk margins.
Club sovereignty and player demands
The ban demonstrates that, no matter how significant a player is, MLS won’t allow individual security prerogatives to override league guidelines. This may serve as a precedent: other stars or clubs demanding unconventional protection might now face stricter pushback.
Public relations and fan sentiment
Fans have taken sides. Some lament the loss of the “Cheuko moment” — those viral saves.
Future transfers and contract clauses
Moving forward, clubs may be more circumspect about security clauses in superstar contracts. The balance between accommodating elite figures and maintaining league control could trigger standardized policies about who may or may not be pitchside.
Key takeaways: timeline and impact
| Date / Period | Event | Significance |
| 2023 | Messi joins Inter Miami with Cheuko as bodyguard | Cheuko becomes a visible touchline figure |
| Early 2025 | MLS / Inter Miami remove Cheuko from touchlines | Begins the phase-out from on-field roles |
| July 30, 2025 | Cheuko enters pitch during Miami vs Atlas | Violates event credential rules |
| August 2025 | Leagues Cup bans Cheuko for remainder of tournament | Official suspension from technical areas |
| Post-ban | Fan, league, club reactions intensify | Sparks broader debate on security in football |
These events revolve tightly around the question: why Messi bodyguard banned from MLS — and the answer lies in a clash of security norms, regulatory limits, and a moment of overstepping boundaries.
Conclusion
Why Messi bodyguard banned from MLS? The short answer: after repeated sideline presence that defied league norms — and one too many missteps culminating in a heated post-match field intrusion — the MLS and Inter Miami removed Yassine Cheuko, it’s a shift in how he’ll be protected — less personal, more institutional. And for MLS, it underscores the league’s rising pains in accommodating global superstars while guarding its rules.
If you want a deeper dive into Cheuko’s past career, comparisons to other stadium security protocols, or how MLS handles player safety versus European leagues — ZaneyStrike has you covered. Stay tuned; the drama around why Messi bodyguard banned from MLS is far
