“Words I will never forget” - Lionel Messi’s bodyguard shares what Argentina star said about him to Antonela Roccuzzo after Ballon d'Or win

Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has shared the beautiful words the Argentine icon said about him to Antonela Roccuzzo after winning the Ballon d'Or 2023. Cheuko stated that he will never forget Messi's kind words as he called him the best bodyguard.

Lionel Messi saw off competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to claim his eighth Ballon d'Or award in 2023. During their flight back after France football's presentation ceremony, the Argentine gave Cheuko the "Ballon d'Or for the best bodyguard."

Yassine Cheuko said (via @theeuropeanlad on X):

“Messi does not consider me only his bodyguard but also a friend. We talk, we laugh, and get to know our personalities together. He always invites me to lunch and treats me well. When he won the Ballon d’Or, we were on the plane and he told me, 'Yassine Carry the Ballon d’Or in your hand!' and I told him, 'Okay…' At first I thought he wanted me to carry it somewhere else."

“And then when I carried it, he said to his son and wife: 'The winner of the Ballon d'Or for the best bodyguard is Yassin.' It was a beautiful moment and words I will never forget from the best player in the world. I feel as if I am part of his family and I am trying hard to protect him not only from the physical side but also from the psychological side, because he trusts me a lot and depends on me and for my part I give all my focus to him. He is very humble," Cheuko added.

Yassine Cheuko was appointed as Lionel Messi's bodyguard when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Inter Miami last summer.

Lionel Messi reportedly not ready to play for Inter Miami after suffering injury at Copa America

Messi picked up an ankle injury in the final while representing his country at the recently concluded Copa America tournament. La Albiceleste won the title, marking their third major international trophy in the last three years.

Due to the injury, Messi missed Inter Miami's 2-0 victory over Puebla in the Leagues Cup on Sunday. As per GOAL, no timeline has been provided for the former Barcelona captain's return to action as his situation continues to be assessed. He remains a doubt for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash against Tigres UANL on August 4.

Meanwhile, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will be eager to win another honor in the United States this season after leading Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy last term as they claimed the Leagues Cup.