Inter Miami wrapped up their preseason tour Thursday night with a 2-1 win over Independiente del Valle in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Goals from Santi Morales and Lionel Messi sealed the victory, giving fans a celebratory finish after weeks of anticipation. But the game didn’t go down without controversy after unrest from the stands.
Messi, who played 45 minutes in the rescheduled match after dealing with an injury earlier this month, was the main attraction.
Supporters packed the stadium eager to see the Argentine icon in person. But the night ended with renewed questions about security after multiple fans rushed the pitch late in the game.
One particular incident drew widespread attention as video footage circulated online showing a fan approaching Messi before security intervened.
As guards attempted to tackle the intruder, contact appeared to send Messi tumbling to the ground in the chaos.
While the situation did not escalate further and Messi seemed unharmed, the moment quickly sparked debate across social media about whether proper precautions were in place.
Pitch invasions involving Messi are not new. Since joining Inter Miami, the World Cup champion has frequently been approached by overzealous supporters during matches around the globe.
However, many fans were surprised by how Thursday’s situation unfolded – particularly given the absence of a familiar figure often seen shadowing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Where was his Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko?
Messi‘s longtime personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has become something of a viral sensation over the past year.
A former Navy SEAL, Cheuko has routinely been stationed near the sidelines during Inter Miami matches, closely monitoring the stands and reacting swiftly to potential threats.
Last season, however, Cheuko was barred from patrolling MLS sidelines following a shoving incident during Leagues Cup competition.
While Thursday’s match in Puerto Rico was not an MLS fixture, fans still questioned why he did not appear to be present when the pitch invasion occurred.
There is nothing to suggest Cheuko has been fired or is no longer employed as Messi‘s personal security.
In fact, he was last publicly seen alongside the superstar during Inter Miami‘s MLS Cup celebrations in December, reinforcing the belief that their working relationship remains intact.
It remains unclear whether Cheuko‘s absence in Puerto Rico was logistical, contractual, or simply unrelated to the incident itself.
Regardless, the optics of Messi being knocked to the ground while security scrambled drew criticism from supporters who expect tighter protection for one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.
A solid outing for Inter Miami
For Inter Miami, the focus will now shift from preseason preparations to competitive action.
On the field, the club showed promise, with Morales‘ strike and Messi‘s composed finish highlighting attacking chemistry ahead of the regular season.
Off the field, though, Thursday’s chaotic moment may prompt renewed evaluation of matchday security protocols, especially when hosting global icons like Messi.
While the Argentine star walked away without injury, the episode serves as a reminder at just how famous he is and the need he has for security and protection.
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