From the battlefield to VIPs: Do the best bodyguards really need military training?

Lionel Messi is one of the biggest sporting stars on the planet.

So, of course, his security must match his footballing ability, which is arguably world-class.

Videos of Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, have exploded online, showing him tracking every move, shutting down potential threats instantly, and sprinting across the pitch to intercept invaders.

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And that has led many people to ask the same question: Is Messi's bodyguard ex-military?

Some reports claim he has had Navy SEAL training, with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

However, there is no official military record to support those claims.

But when it comes to protecting the world's biggest stars, many do turn to people with real military experience.

So, here are five bodyguards to some of the world's most high-profile names who definitely do have a military background:

Christian Craighead

A former British SAS soldier, Mr Craighead is credited with helping save 27 hostages during the Al-Shabaab terror attack on a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi.

Last year, he became part of US President Donald Trump’s security detail.

Mark "Billy" Billingham

An ex-SAS Warrant Officer, Mr Billingham is now known, loved and feared, for putting recruits through their paces on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins.

He has also worked as a bodyguard for Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Russell Crowe.

Simon Newton

Not BFBS Forces News' reporter – but a former British Army soldier.

Mr Newton served in Iraq before moving into private security, going on to work with Michael Jackson, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner.

Olivier Gruner

A former French navy commando, Mr Gruner has protected stars including Céline Dion.

He now runs Gruner Tactical, where he trains future bodyguards and close-protection operatives.

Justin Riblet

A former US Special Forces weapons sergeant, Mr Riblet has worked with Jennifer Lawrence and was reportedly tasked with protecting Brooklyn Beckham at the Coachella music festival in 2015.