Lionel Messi's bodyguard at Inter Miami is an MMA fighter who once produced a brutal knockout.
Messi made the move to Inter in July and has scored 11 goals in as many games, guiding the club to their first ever trophy after they won the Leagues Cup on penalties last month.
Everyone wants a piece of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, whose impact on the MLS on the whole has been monumental in a number of ways.
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Security has had to ramped up and the main measure for Messi's protection has been the hiring of Yassine Chueko, who is serving as Messi's personal bodyguard.
Chueko goes above and beyond to look after Messi, waiting for him to get off the bus as soon as he arrives at games.
While the game is going on he will be seen lurking in the background and sprinted down the touchline to get near to him during a goal celebration.
When a pitch invader tried to get close to the Argentina legend against LAFC, he was on the scene in rapid fashion and put the individual in a headlock.
It was reported that Chueko's services were specifically requested and that he is a former US Navy Seal.
That has since been disputed but the mountain of a man does have a background in MMA and has posted clips of his fights on his Instagram, which is followed by Messi and Sergio Ramos.
And one in particular stands out. The footage was shared online in June 2022 and Chueko was utterly dominant in the kickboxing affair, taking his opponent apart with kicks and strikes.
Eventually, after a swift combination ended with him knocking the Thai fighter to the canvas, the referee stepped in to wave off the bout and crown Chueko as the victor.
Chueko might get a weekend off this weekend as though Inter are in action against Sporting KC, Messi is on international duty with Argentina.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS, United States, Argentina
Josh Lawless