Since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, Yassine Cheuko has been hired as the Argentine superstar’s bodyguard. The two have been together until now.

In a recent interview, Yassine revealed his admiration for Messi and affirmed that the Argentine star considered him a friend instead of a client-bodyguard relationship. Yassine recounted the story right after Messi won the 2023 Ballon d’Or last October.

Messi takes a photo with Yassine and the Golden Ball award

“Messi doesn’t see me as his bodyguard but as a friend. We talk, laugh and understand each other’s personalities. He always invites me to lunch and treats me very well.

When he won the Ballon d’Or, we were on the plane and he said, ‘Yassine, take the Ballon d’Or.’ I thought he wanted to put the Ballon d’Or away somewhere.

After I held the Ballon d’Or, he turned to his son and wife and said, ‘The winner of the Ballon d’Or for Best Bodyguard is Yassine’. What a beautiful moment. I will never forget what the best player in world football said to me.

I feel like I am part of his family and I will do my best to protect him. Because he has faith in me. Messi is very humble.”

Yassine always follows Messi closely

According to British media, Yassine receives a salary of up to 3 million USD (75 billion) per year.

Yassine himself showed that he deserved this salary. In the match between Inter Miami and Sporting KC on April 14, a crazy fan suddenly climbed onto the field and ran towards Messi. Immediately, Yassine rushed onto the field, hugged the fan’s waist and pulled him away from the Argentine star. A few seconds later, security forces arrived. Fans were amazed by Yassine’s quick actions.

Yassine once saved Messi

Messi is currently back in the US recovering from his injury. The Argentine superstar is expected to return to action next month.