Messi flanked by ex-Navy Seal bodyguard during family time with wife Antonella

30 October 2023 , 15:37

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Lionel Messi was joined by his bodyguard as he enjoyed some family time with his wife and their son Thiago (Image: @Intermiamicfhub/Twitter)

Lionel Messi looks to be enjoying a well-earned rest as he finally made the most of some time off alongside wife Antonella Ruccozzo - and his ex-Navy Seal bodyguard came along for the ride in Florida.

After Miami failed to make the MLS playoffs, the legendary winger now faces an extended break from action before play resumes in the competition next February. Now it appears that he is making the most of his time away from the pitch following his last regular season game versus Charlotte FC on October 22.

Making the most of his leisure time following the conclusion of the regular season, he was spotted basking in the Floridan sun with his wife Antonella. The world-famous couple had made the short trip to Naples, Florida, where they were reportedly watching their eldest boy, Thiago, play in a football tournament.

As has become commonplace in recent months, the family were flanked by their dedicated bodyguard Yassine Chueko, who surveyed the scene earnestly. The security professional has become something of an internet sensation since he was first employed to keep a keen eye on Messi.

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After apparently assuming his role upon the recommendation of Inter Miami co-chairman David Beckham, his commitment to his job has been undeniable. In fact, the supposed MMA enthusiast has regularly been spotted patrolling the touchline during games involving Vice City's talisman.

The former US military professional first went viral online when footage emerged of him dragging a fan back by the neck after he entered the pitch during Miami's clash with LAFC. His no-nonsense style caught the eye of onlookers, after he apprehended the onrushing fan before he could get close to his client.

Chueko, who is said to have served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan, showed his softer side when an eight-year-old Messi fan entered the field earlier this month. The youngster would enter the pitch following the Herons' 1-0 win, with the bodyguard springing into action once more.

Yassine Chueko, bodyguard of Lionel Messi, has been dedicated to his role in recent months (Getty Images)

In this instance, however, he would use minimum force before directing the youngster in the direction of his idol, who would sign a shirt for him. Clearly, Messi has been left impressed with Chueko's efforts and this most recent sighting shows that he has come to value his services both personally and professionally.

The superstar forward's relaxation in Florida will be interrupted on Monday, however, as he prepares to head to Paris for the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony. Following on from this, it is expected that Messi will head to China with his Miami teammates ahead of a short tour in the country.

The Argentine has had an eventful past year, with his heroics at the World Cup in the winter of 2022 followed up with an arduous run of 55 games at club level. The 36-year-old added to his medal collection with titles at PSG and Inter Miami but fatigue would plague his first half season in MLS.

Following on from his blockbuster move to the Herons in the summer, he would lead his new team to their first ever trophy in the form of the Leagues Cup. However, a troublesome muscle scarring issue would limit his impact in the league to just three starts and one goal.

Tom Beattie