A serious gap has emerged in the security of 'superstar' Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami).
According to an ESPN report on the 2nd, Messi's personal bodyguard Yasin Cheukou has been banned from entering the Inter Miami stadium. Yasin has served as Messi's bodyguard for the past nine years, monitoring fans on the ground and protecting Messi.
Yasin stated, 'I have protected Messi in Europe for seven years. I have also protected Messi in the Champions League, which hosts 60,000 people. It has been 20 months since I came to the United States, and suddenly I was notified that I could no longer enter the stadium. I still want to help Messi.'
It is reported that it was not Major League Soccer (MLS) but the Inter Miami club that controlled Yasin's entry. The specific reason has not been disclosed.
Inter Miami explained, 'The security regulations have not changed. We have deployed 16 team security personnel near the stadium. There are no major issues with protecting Messi.'
Inter Miami will face LA FC in the quarterfinals of the North American Champions Cup on the 3rd. Messi, who has returned from injury, is expected to participate.
Javier Mascherano, the coach of Inter Miami, said, 'I expect Messi to play. Messi returned to practice yesterday but rested on Sunday. We will know his playing status before the match begins.'
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