Inter Miami have concluded their preseason tour after playing against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico on Thursday night.
The MLS champions defeated Independiente del Valle, 2-1, with goals from Santi Morales and Lionel Messi. Messi played 45 minutes in the match, which was rescheduled due to an injury the Argentine star suffered a few weeks ago.
Many fans were excited to see Messi and Inter Miami play in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but security measures are being questioned after fans invaded the pitch, approached the Argentine star, and dropped him to the ground late in the match.
Photo by Leopoldo Smith/Getty Images
Messi has been approached by fans on the pitch in the past, but this time, security attempted to tackle a fan holding Messi, which led to the Inter Miami star falling down.
Video caught the moment Messi went down as the security tried to escort the fan away from the pitch and from the player. Many football fans questioned the security in the stadium, including the presence (or lack thereof) of Messi's personal bodyguard and former Navy Seal, Yassine Cheuko.
Where Was Lionel Messi's Bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko?
Lionel Messi has often been seen with his personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, who has been seen next to him everywhere. Since Messi joined Inter Miami, Cheuko became famous online due to his commitment to his job.
Last year, Cheuko was no longer allowed on the sidelines for MLS games following a shoving incident during the Leagues Cup. Thursday's match was not an MLS game, which surprised fans that he was not there for this situation.
There is no credible reporting available that Cheuko is no longer Messi's bodyguard, though maybe no longer for football matches, which could be the reason why he was not in Puerto Rico.
Cheuko was last publicly seen with Messi during the MLS Cup celebrations in December and appears to have a strong relationship with the soccer superstar.