Sport
MLS Bans Messi’s Bodyguard from Pitch After Multiple Fan Invasions
Yassine Cheuko, the bodyguard to Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, recently shared that he’s no longer able to assist the star in the same way he did before due to restrictions imposed by Major League Soccer (MLS).
Cheuko, a former Navy SEAL, has been guarding Messi since his move to the U.S. in 2023, with security concerns being a priority for the soccer legend. Cheuko became a familiar figure at MLS matches, often stepping in to stop pitch-invading fans trying to get closer to Messi. On several occasions, he’s tackled fans before they could reach the field.
However, MLS has now limited Cheuko’s role, banning him from stepping onto the pitch during games. Instead, he’s restricted to behind-the-scenes security duties. Cheuko expressed his frustration during an interview with House of Highlights, stating, “They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore.”
Reflecting on the unique challenges in the U.S., Cheuko said, “In Europe, I worked for seven years in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six fans ever invaded the pitch. But here in the U.S., in just 20 months, 16 fans have breached the field. There’s a real issue here. I’m not the problem. Let me do my job and protect Messi.”
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
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Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
