Photo:Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via GettyLionel Messi’s bodyguard isn’t messing around!The soccer superstar’s personal security detail, Yassine Chueko, leapt into action when a fan ran onto the pitch and towards Messi during the second half of the Inter Miami-Los Angeles FC game on Sunday.While Chueko normally stays along the sidelines, keeping a close eye on the 36-year-old icon, he ran after the man and intercepted him once they both reached Messi.In a video of the incident, the bodyguard put his forearm around the interloper’s neck and pulled him away from the Argentine athlete.Chueko is an ex-U.S. Navy SEAL, a boxer and a martial arts and taekwondo expert,according to EuroFoot.The bodyguard was hired at the suggestion of Inter Miami club president David Beckham, Sports Illustrated’sFanNationreports.At Sunday’s game, Messi proved to be a draw for an array of stars as well.Among the celebrities tracking Messi — and cheering him on — werePrince Harry,Will Ferrell,Leonardo DiCaprio,Owen Wilson,Jason Sudeikis, rapperTygaandSelena Gomez, the latter of whom went viral for her shocked reaction to LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy denying Messi a goal with aclose-range save.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Messi and his teammates went on to clinch a 3-1 win against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.
Photo:Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard isn’t messing around!The soccer superstar’s personal security detail, Yassine Chueko, leapt into action when a fan ran onto the pitch and towards Messi during the second half of the Inter Miami-Los Angeles FC game on Sunday.While Chueko normally stays along the sidelines, keeping a close eye on the 36-year-old icon, he ran after the man and intercepted him once they both reached Messi.In a video of the incident, the bodyguard put his forearm around the interloper’s neck and pulled him away from the Argentine athlete.Chueko is an ex-U.S. Navy SEAL, a boxer and a martial arts and taekwondo expert,according to EuroFoot.The bodyguard was hired at the suggestion of Inter Miami club president David Beckham, Sports Illustrated’sFanNationreports.At Sunday’s game, Messi proved to be a draw for an array of stars as well.Among the celebrities tracking Messi — and cheering him on — werePrince Harry,Will Ferrell,Leonardo DiCaprio,Owen Wilson,Jason Sudeikis, rapperTygaandSelena Gomez, the latter of whom went viral for her shocked reaction to LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy denying Messi a goal with aclose-range save.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Messi and his teammates went on to clinch a 3-1 win against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.
Lionel Messi’s bodyguard isn’t messing around!
The soccer superstar’s personal security detail, Yassine Chueko, leapt into action when a fan ran onto the pitch and towards Messi during the second half of the Inter Miami-Los Angeles FC game on Sunday.
While Chueko normally stays along the sidelines, keeping a close eye on the 36-year-old icon, he ran after the man and intercepted him once they both reached Messi.
In a video of the incident, the bodyguard put his forearm around the interloper’s neck and pulled him away from the Argentine athlete.
Chueko is an ex-U.S. Navy SEAL, a boxer and a martial arts and taekwondo expert,according to EuroFoot.
The bodyguard was hired at the suggestion of Inter Miami club president David Beckham, Sports Illustrated’sFanNationreports.
At Sunday’s game, Messi proved to be a draw for an array of stars as well.
Among the celebrities tracking Messi — and cheering him on — werePrince Harry,Will Ferrell,Leonardo DiCaprio,Owen Wilson,Jason Sudeikis, rapperTygaandSelena Gomez, the latter of whom went viral for her shocked reaction to LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy denying Messi a goal with aclose-range save.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Messi and his teammates went on to clinch a 3-1 win against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.
source: people.com
