New Delhi: Since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami, pitch invasions have become a growing problem in US stadiums. Fans frequently breach security, running onto the pitch just to take pictures or get close to the Argentine superstar. While some of these incidents appear harmless, they pose a serious risk to player safety. Security personnel are meant to prevent such occurrences, but Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, believes they are not doing enough.
Cheuko, who has been protecting Messi since his move to the US, recently shared his frustration in a lengthy Instagram post. He accused stadium security teams of being distracted and failing to do their jobs properly. His comments came after multiple pitch invasions during Inter Miami’s pre-season tour, with one particular incident in Panama going viral. As a result, Cheuko has now urged security staff to take their responsibilities more seriously before the situation escalates further.
Cheuko slams stadium security for lapses
Leo Messi in action for Argentina (Via Reuters)
Cheuko, a former MMA fighter, expressed his disappointment, claiming that security teams are “not fully focused on their duties.” He alleged that instead of ensuring player safety, many security personnel are more interested in watching the game or capturing videos. The post came just days after an incident during Inter Miami’s pre-season tour in Panama. A fan wearing a Messi shirt ran onto the pitch mid-game, attempting to hug the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Cheuko, positioned on the sidelines, tried to intervene but ended up colliding with the fan, falling to the ground. He quickly got up and dragged the invader away, but the moment went viral online.
Despite his frustration, Cheuko acknowledged the professionalism of security teams in Honduras and Peru, where Inter Miami recently played. He praised their efforts in maintaining order and preventing disruptions. However, he urged security staff in the US to take their jobs more seriously.
“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,” he wrote. He emphasised that while he is always ready to step in, the responsibility should not fall solely on him.
Messi’s presence has undoubtedly brought immense attention to football in the US, but these repeated pitch invasions raise questions about stadium security standards.
Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, slammed US stadium security for failing to stop pitch invasions, accusing staff of being distracted and not prioritising safety as fans repeatedly breach barriers to meet Messi. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
