Julius Okorie
A desperate pitch invader, achieved a heroic feat on Sunday, after he successfully beat acclaimed bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, to hug Argentina international and Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi.
Chueko, a former US soldier, is known for his no nonsense approach to his job of protecting Messi from pitch invaders and other fans who may want to come too close for comfort.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe has previously gone viral for protecting Messi from fans during the Inter Miami star’s matches, stalking the touchline during Major League Soccer games.
The bodyguard, who came to Miami from Paris after protecting Messi at PSG, was called into action in April last year after spotting a fan running from behind one of the goals towards the eight-time Ballon d’ Or winner.
Thanks to a considerable head start, the supporter reached Messi and appeared to try and take a selfie with him, before being promptly tackled by Chueko as stadium security also swarmed.
The incident went viral on social media, showing off the lengths Chueko goes to in order to keep Messi from potential danger.
But Yesterday (Sunday), the bodyguard was smartly beaten by a pitch invader during Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Panama outfit Sporting San Miguelito.
In a footage unveiled on social media, the bodyguard can be seen sprinting towards the fan as he attempts to get close to Messi.
READ ALSO:Messi Breaks Another Record, Now Inter Miami’s All-Time Highest Goalscorer
Despite appearing to intercept the supporter before he reaches the Argentine, Chueko takes a tumble after being caught off guard by the fan slipping.
As the supporter loses his footing, he makes contact with Chueko’s legs and spins him onto his back on the floor.
The incident allowed him a brief moment to hug Messi before Chueko leapt back to his feet and ripped him away, appearing to smile subtly at his unfortunate tumble.
Although there were no immediate reports of any punitive measure against the harmless invader, the incident jolted Chueko, a former Navy Seal, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He also has expertise in martial arts, taekwondo, boxing and participated in several MMA fights.
Chueko was specifically brought on board by Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, to protect their star player.
The decision to hire Chueko came amid rising number of pitch invaders in recent years, while Messi attracted an unbelievable amount of hype and attention with his move to Miami in 2023.
The MLS League is yet to resume but Inter Miami have line up Club friendlies ahead of the new season. Other club friendlies have been lined up against Olimpia 9th February and Orlando City 15th February respectively before Concacaf Champions Cup outing against Sporting KC on February 19.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
