Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team-mate Robert Taylor has taken inspiration from the Argentine’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, in his Halloween costume.
It is that time of the year in which young and old dress themselves up and prepare to head out partying or trick or treating. Professional footballers are always happy to join in with the festivities - with star names such as Neymar and Sam Kerr having got involved down the years.
Inter Miami’s squad are very much in the mood, after seeing their 2023 MLS campaign come to a close, with players preparing to let their hair down during the off-season. Finland international Taylor falls into that camp, and has made the world aware of his latest fancy dress outfit.
Taylor, who has impressed alongside Messi since the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived in the United States, has taken inspiration from Cheuko heading into Halloween – with the burly security guard never far from Messi’s side.
Cheuko has been seen wrestling with pitch invaders eager to share an embrace or selfie with their sporting idol, with Messi taking advice from Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham when it comes to hiring protective muscle that has his best interests at heart.
Ever since Messi arrived in Miami, Cheuko has been tasked by the club with protecting the greatest player in club, league, and the game's history.
Cheuko is a former Navy Seal with combat experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan with expertise in martial arts, taekwondo, boxing and participated in several MMA fights.
The decision by Beckham to select the highly-skilled Cheuko came amid the rising number of pitch invaders in recent years.
Cheuko has garnered plenty of media attention for his work - including some attention from not-so-typical places.
He's received proposals from adult content websites - including one that offered him $25k to flex his muscles as their 'martial arts ambassador'.