Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Bodyguard Spotted in Brutal Training Video As Copa America Starts

• Yassine Cheuko has been spotted undergoing fierce training, while Lionel Messi features at the 2024 Copa America
• The war veteran went through his paces at a beach with a personal coach as he sharpened his skills and kept fit
• Meanwhile, Messi starred for Argentina as the defending Copa champions began their campaign with a victory

Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard at Inter Miami, Yassine Cheuko, has been seen undergoing rigorous training following the start of the 2024 Copa America.

While his presence might not be necessarily essential at the South American championship, Cheuko has focused on honing his defensive skills and maintaining his fitness.

In a video circulating on social media and noted by Sports Brief, the 35-year-old is seen engaging in intense training with a personal coach at a beach.

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His regimen includes a mix of punches, kicks, chokes, takedowns, and joint locks, which are said to be enhancing his balance and coordination.

Who is Messi's protector, Yassine Cheuko?

Formerly a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Cheuko later transitioned into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where he began teaching boxing and taekwondo.

Today, he is best known as the personal bodyguard of Inter Miami superstar, Messi.

According to the Spanish publication AS, Cheuko is responsible for the Argentina captain's personal safety.

Reports suggest that Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, personally selected the veteran for this role.

Sources close to the MLS franchise reveal that the California-born man now heads Messi’s security detail, overseeing a team of approximately 50 people who also safeguard the player's family.

Cheuko is consistently seen with the Argentine veteran before and after matches, escorting him to the locker room and even accompanying him on the team bus for away games.

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Lionel Messi shines at Copa America opener

While Cheuko sharpened his MMA skills, Messi kicked off the Copa America, taking a while to find his rhythm before Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Jesse Marsch's resilient Canada in Atlanta.

A brilliant through ball by the World Cup winner in the 47th minute finally breached Canada's steadfast defence.

Julian Alvarez capitalised, slotting into an empty net after Alexis Mac Allister was brought down by goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau.

Despite missing several second-half opportunities, Messi set up substitute, Lautaro Martinez, who scored with just two minutes remaining, MARCA reports.

Messi's bodyguard demonstrates unreal vigilance

Sports Brief also previously reported on Lionel Messi's bodyguard demonstrating his remarkable vigilance by intercepting a pitch invader during Inter Miami's game against Sporting KC on April 14.

Off the pitch, the bodyguard grabbed the headlines as he swiftly entered the field to thwart the intruder during the MLS game, interrupting and making his way towards to the record Ballon d'Or winner.