Lionel Messi bodyguard & secret agent? Yassine Cheuko enjoys NBA experience with Paul Pogba amid talk of World Cup winner joining MLS ranks at Inter Miami

Former Navy SEAL Cheuko has become a familiar presence at Inter Miami games, with it his job to ensure that nobody – particularly pitch-invading fans – get too close to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. He takes great pride in that position and has become a popular figure at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami’s shock defeat to Atlanta United in the 2024 MLS Cup play-offs means that Cheuko is currently enjoying a well-earned break, with there no competitive action and travelling around the United States for Messi and Co to take in.

Cheuko has taken the opportunity to enjoy some NBA action from courtside seats, with the Miami Heat currently sharing the sporting spotlight in South Florida with the Dolphins NFL franchise. He was joined at the Kaseya Center by World Cup winner Pogba – who has been rubbing shoulders with Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Pogba is another with plenty of time on his hands at present, following his release by Juventus on the back of a protracted doping case. The France international will be clear to resume his professional career in March 2025 after serving an 18-month suspension.

There has been talk of Pogba heading to MLS, with LAFC reported to be among his many suitors. It has also been suggested that he could join Messi and Co at Inter Miami, with that one potential topic of discussion when Cheuko pulled up a pew next to the Frenchman to watch a different kind of ball sport to the one that both have grown accustomed to.