Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, has a personal bodyguard named Yassine Chueko who was reportedly hired to protect Messi following a personal recommendation by Inter Miami club president David Beckham.
Chueko is a former mixed martial artist and ex-Navy SEAL.
He is responsible for man-marking Messi on and off the pitch during Inter Miami matches.
Chueko’s job is to ensure Messi’s safety and security, especially during public appearances and events where he may be vulnerable to threats or attacks.
Recently, Chueko was forced to put a pitch-invading fan in a headlock following Inter Miami’s win at LAFC.
This incident highlights the importance of Messi’s personal security and the need for increased matchday security measures.
Inter Miami has reportedly increased its security team and assigned a guard specifically to follow Messi up and down the sideline during matches.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami has been highly publicized, with reports stating that he will be paid a fortune for his new venture in America after signing for David Beckham’s club on a free transfer.
According to sources from the Sun, Messi’s contract will increase during the course of his two and a half year agreement with Inter Miami to a whopping sum of £119.34 million which equates to around £918k a week.
Additionally, Messi has been offered a profit-sharing contract by Adidas, one of the league’s major corporate sponsors, under which the forward will share.
Messi bodyguard salary
Messi’s bodyguard reportedly earns a huge salary to take care of Messi and his family.
According to various sources, including The Mirror and Heraldo Deportes, Chueko charges around $3 million per year to take care of Messi.
Chueko has the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of Messi and his family in various settings, including on the field, during public appearances or while travelling.
He is hired by Inter Miami to follow Messi’s every move, escorting him at all times on matchdays and even following him on the touchline like an assistant referee.
Chueko has been seen running up and down the side of the field while Messi is in play, in the event that a fan runs onto the pitch to try and get to the Miami player.
He also catches jerseys thrown in his direction and even escorts a couple of pitch invaders off the field.
Inter Miami has increased matchday security after Messi joined the team and Chueko is specifically assigned to follow Messi up and down the sideline while the Argentine star is playing.
Chueko is a trained MMA fighter and a former US Army soldier.