Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images

Why Was Lionel Messi's Bodyguard Absent During Dangerous Fan Incident?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 3:31 PM ET

Inter Miami have concluded their preseason tour after playing against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico last night.

The MLS champions defeated Independiente del Valle last night, 2-1, with goals from Santi Morales and Lionel Messi. Messi played 45 minutes in the match, which was rescheduled due to an injury the Argentine star suffered a few weeks ago.

Many fans were excited to see Messi and Inter Miami play at Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but security measures are highly questioned after fans approached the Argentine star late in the match.

Messi has been approached by fans on the pitch in the past, but this time, security attempted to tackle a fan holding Messi, which led to the Inter Miami star falling down.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami celebrates after scoring the team's second goal by penalty during a friendly game between Independiente del Valle and Inter Miami at Juan Ramon Loubriel on February 26, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images)Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images

Video caught the moment Messi went down as the security tried to escort the fan away from the pitch and from the player. Many football fans questioned the security in the stadium, and many brought up Messi's personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko.

BREAKING: Fans storm the pitch and knock Lionel Messi to the ground https://t.co/uZtLQXEJ5M
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) February 27, 2026

Where was Lionel Messi's Bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko?

Lionel Messi has often been seen with his personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, who has been seen next to him everywhere. Since Messi joined Inter Miami, Cheuko became famous online due to his commitment to his job.

Last year, Yassine Cheuko was no longer allowed on the sidelines for MLS games. The match last night was not an MLS game, which surprised fans that he was not there for this situation.

Rumors suggest that Yassine Cheuko remains Lionel Messi's bodyguard, but no longer for football matches, which could be the reason why he was not in Puerto Rico.

Cheuko was last publicly seen with Messi during the MLS Cup celebrations last December and appears to have a strong relationship with Messi.