The only man to get close to Messi in MLS! Yassine Chueko is the former US soldier

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

The 36-year-old assisted both goals in regular time as Inter Miami came back from 2-0 down before prevailing from the spot after the sides were locked at 3-3 after extra time. 

In doing so, the recently-formed outfit booked their place in the final of the country’s oldest and most prestigious knockout football competition, which dates back to 1913. 

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

Owing to his massive celebrity, Messi has been flanked by personal protection that even remains in close proximity when he is on the field of play. 

Yassine Chueko raced around the pitch as Inter Miami celebrated their late equaliser against Cincinnati

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

On Wednesday, the bodyguard – who, according to La Nacion, is former US soldier Yassine Chueko – hurried down the sideline and even continued past the corner flag when Messi and his Miami team mates celebrated Leonardo Campana’s equaliser deep into stoppage time. 

It’s the latest in a series of sighting of the former Barcelona forward’s person protection, reportedly specifically brought on board by co-owner David Beckham. 

Whether it be walking from the team coach to the changing rooms, or strolling along the touchline to follow Messi’s movements during a game, he is always within close distance of the Argentine. 

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

Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard (right) is hellbent on ensuring the Inter Miami star’s safety

Miami have taken a very proactive approach to Messi’s safety following his arrival from PSG

It’s clear Inter Miami are taking the safety of Messi extremely seriously, as outlined by co-owner Jorge Mas, who spearheaded the charm offensive to get him to the States, in June. 

‘Security will obviously be enhanced.’ He told the Miami Herald. ‘Players will be bussed in, going through a tunnel. All of those security protocols are already prepared both for here and away. And it’s not only for our games.

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

‘As you may recall, Argentina trained in Miami before they flew over to to Doha. We had an opportunity to see some of the Messi mania at our doors on an everyday basis during practice. So, we’re very prepared. We’ve been getting ready for this.’