Messi is getting another Argentine buddy in Miami

Since joining MLS and signing with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has rarely been seen without his bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko. Cheuko is well-known to the wider football public for chasing down and successfully "capturing" anyone who dared to jump the barriers and storm the pitch across stadiums in the U.S. to take a photo with the greatest footballer of all time. Several viral clips show the former U.S. Navy SEAL sprinting along the sidelines, sticking closely to his client.

Now, things will get even easier for the American, as Messi will have a second "bodyguard" with him on the pitch—Rodrigo De Paul! According to reports from multiple sources around the world, an agreement has been reached for the Argentine midfielder’s transfer to Inter Miami, for the fee of 15 million euros, set by Atletico Madrid. The only one disappointed by the move is Diego Simeone, who opposed De Paul’s departure from the beginning, but the Rojiblancos believe this is the best deal they can get in the near future.

What was Messi doing in Como?

De Paul will sign a four-year contract with the Miami franchise, reuniting with his national teammate and close friend. As soon as news broke about his arrival, jokes began circulating about De Paul being Messi's new "bodyguard." This stems from the fiercely protective nature the skilled midfielder has shown toward Messi, both on and off the pitch. He’s constantly seen defending him—like during a 2022 friendly against Honduras, when he got into an argument with opposing players and the referee over a rough tackle on Messi. Something similar happened at the World Cup in Qatar, and just last year, he was even seen moving a fan’s hand off Messi after the superstar missed a penalty against Ecuador. De Paul and Messi grew very close during Argentina’s Copa America and World Cup triumphs, which is why the GOAT wanted him by his side at Inter Miami. De Paul even once said he would "go to war" for Messi. In fact, everything at Inter Miami is tailored around Messi. The team already includes Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Oscar Ustari, while Javier Mascherano is on the coaching staff.