BREAKING NEWS: Messi’s Bodyguard Yassine Cheuko Seeking New Job After Inter Miami Sign Rodrigo De Paul
July 25, 2025 – Miami, FL
In a development that has taken fans of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami by surprise, Yassine Cheuko, the famously vigilant bodyguard of the Argentine legend, is reportedly exploring new employment opportunities following the high-profile arrival of Rodrigo De Paul at the MLS club.
The news surfaced shortly after Inter Miami officially announced the signing of Atlético Madrid and Argentina national team midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, a player known not just for his commanding midfield presence but also for his deep personal connection with Lionel Messi.
Who is Yassine Cheuko?
Yassine Cheuko is no ordinary bodyguard. A former French Navy soldier and a seasoned mixed martial arts practitioner, Cheuko was hired by Inter Miami shortly after Lionel Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023. Known for his imposing physique, tactical awareness, and unwavering attention to Messi’s safety, Cheuko became a viral sensation.
His role extended beyond mere protection; he shadowed Messi everywhere — from training sessions and team flights to public events and even on the sidelines of games. His intense focus and militaristic style of movement turned him into an internet meme, and he quickly became a cult figure among Messi fans around the globe.
Yet despite the fame and loyalty he showed to Messi, Cheuko’s services might now be deemed surplus to requirements — not because Messi no longer needs protection, but because of the arrival of someone who protects Messi in a completely different way: Rodrigo De Paul.
The Arrival of De Paul — More Than Just a Signing
Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival at Inter Miami is more than a tactical move; it’s emotional. For years, De Paul has been Messi’s midfield enforcer on the field and emotional guardian off it. Their friendship blossomed during the 2021 Copa América and deepened during Argentina’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup run.
De Paul famously stated, “If anyone touches Messi, I’ll kill them.” And for fans and teammates alike, it wasn’t an empty threat. On the pitch, he shielded Messi with tireless running, fierce tackles, and passionate leadership. Off the pitch, he often accompanied Messi during travel, leisure activities, and interviews.
So when Inter Miami announced the signing of De Paul on a multi-year deal, many began wondering what that would mean for Cheuko — the man whose job was to protect Messi’s physical safety. The answer came quickly and quietly, with sources close to the team revealing that Cheuko has begun looking for alternative job placements in the United States or potentially Europe.
Sources Confirm Cheuko’s Exit Talks
A source inside the Inter Miami organization, speaking under condition of anonymity, confirmed that Cheuko’s position is being “reevaluated.”
“Cheuko has done an incredible job,” the source said. “But De Paul’s presence changes the dynamic. Messi’s comfort zone is different now. He’s surrounded by teammates he trusts deeply, both emotionally and physically. That changes the need for a constant personal bodyguard.”
The same source added that Cheuko has already had meetings with several high-profile agencies, both in private security and international event protection. “He’s not going to struggle to find work. His resume speaks volumes,” the source concluded.
The Changing Role of Security in Modern Football
The situation surrounding Cheuko’s exit also raises broader questions about security in modern football. Top athletes like Messi are more than just sportsmen; they are global brands, targets of both adoration and potential threats.
Messi’s move to Miami in 2023 was followed by concerns over his safety, with fans flooding hotel lobbies and training grounds. Cheuko’s intense presence was seen as a necessary buffer between Messi and potential chaos. But with Messi now settled in Miami, surrounded by friends, family, and teammates like De Paul and Luis Suárez, his personal security needs may be shifting from visible deterrence to more discreet, relational forms of protection.
Rodrigo De Paul, while not a licensed bodyguard, embodies a different form of protection — one rooted in camaraderie, shared battles, and emotional brotherhood.
Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings
Fans have taken to social media to share their reactions to the news of Cheuko’s imminent departure, and opinions are divided.
Some expressed gratitude for his work:
“Cheuko was the wall between Messi and danger. We owe him a lot,” wrote @LeoFansForever on X (formerly Twitter).
Others pointed out that Messi might now feel safer with his best friend by his side:
“Messi doesn’t need a bodyguard when he has De Paul. That guy is a pit bull,” commented @ArgentinaArmy.
Memes also exploded across the internet, many humorously depicting De Paul and Cheuko in an imaginary standoff, with Messi in the background grinning.
What’s Next for Yassine Cheuko?
Though no official statement has been released by Cheuko himself, close contacts claim he is eyeing a return to high-stakes private security. Some unconfirmed reports have linked him to possible jobs protecting VIPs in Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
There are also whispers that several European football clubs, particularly those in France and England, are interested in hiring him for top-tier player security, given the increase in fan invasions and threats in recent seasons.
Cheuko has already built a reputation not just as a protector, but as a professional who understands the intense pressures and vulnerabilities of elite athletes. Whether on the field sidelines or escorting players through unruly airports, his presence has been reassuring to both fans and club officials alike.
Inter Miami: A Club Evolving
The shift in Cheuko’s role reflects the rapid transformation of Inter Miami from a fledgling MLS franchise into a global footballing phenomenon.
With stars like Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and now Rodrigo De Paul, the club is no longer merely participating in MLS — it’s dominating headlines, setting trends, and shaping football culture in the United States.
This evolution naturally brings with it changes in personnel, needs, and priorities. As Messi settles into a more comfortable life in Miami surrounded by those he calls “family,” the high-alert perimeter once deemed necessary may now give way to a more relaxed, albeit still secure, environment.
Conclusion
Yassine Cheuko’s journey with Lionel Messi may be ending, but his place in the hearts of fans is secure. From his rigid presence on the sidelines to his no-nonsense demeanor while guarding the world’s greatest footballer, Cheuko embodied loyalty, professionalism, and unflinching dedication.
Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival signals not just a tactical reinforcement for Inter Miami, but an emotional one. Messi’s inner circle is now complete, and perhaps for the first time since arriving in the U.S., the Argentine magician feels truly at home — safe not just behind muscle, but within the embrace of friendship.
For Cheuko, the future is wide open. And if his past is anything to go by, he won’t be out of the spotlight for long.
