VIDEO: Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko shows off takedown skills in 1v1 challenge against YouTube footballer

U.S. stadiums aren’t always as tightly secured as those in Europe, and every match Messi plays brings chaos. There have been fans who have vaulted fences and sprinted across the pitch as they are desperate for a selfie with their idol. However, with Cheuko standing on the sidelines, only a handful get in proximity to Messi. Several fans have learned the hard way as they have been tackled, restrained, and escorted out before Messi even turned his head. Now, Cheuko has gone viral once again, but this time not for chasing down a crazed fan, but for flattening a YouTube celebrity in a brutal one-on-one football challenge. Lynch tried to dribble past Cheuko three times, and each attempt ended the same way: with Cheuko taking him to the ground in seconds, forcing the YouTuber to tap out in defeat. 

However, MLS authorities have come down hard on Cheuko. After a series of pitch invasions, league officials banned him from pitchside duty, arguing that his presence was too "aggressive". Speaking to House of Highlights, the 35-year-old didn’t hide his frustration: "They don't allow me to be on the field anymore.  I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch."

Cheuko insists he has nothing but respect for MLS, but warns that security needs a serious upgrade: "There's a huge problem here. I'm not the problem. Let me help Messi. I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping. I'm not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It's fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better.”

His loyalty doesn’t come cheap. According to reports, Messi’s protector earns a staggering $3 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid employees at Inter Miami outside of the playing squad. His contract even includes a $500,000 performance bonus if he completes the season without any major security breaches. It’s an unusual deal, but then again, there’s nothing ordinary about guarding the world’s most famous athlete.

To Cheuko, Messi is not just a client but his family. “I feel like I'm part of his family, and I'm working hard to protect him, not only physically but also psychologically, because he trusts me a lot and depends on me, and I give him all my attention. He's very humble," he said.

In a different section of the same video, the bodyguard had a go at goal and found the top corner brilliantly with a right-footed volley, flexing his huge muscles and kicking the air in celebration.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has been in MVP-level form for Inter Miami this season, racking up 34 goals and 18 assists in 42 appearances. The Herons are one game away from wrapping up their regular season, facing Nashville SC on Saturday, before turning their sights to the MLS Cup playoffs, where Messi will chase yet another piece of silverware to add to his glittering collection.