In a surprising twist during the 2025 Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been suspended from all technical areas of the tournament. The decision came after Cheuko pushed two Atlas players following Inter Miami’s match against Club Atlas on July 30.
Why Was Messi’s Bodyguard Suspended?
According to an official statement from the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee, a member of Inter Miami’s delegation behaved inappropriately by:
- Entering restricted areas without proper credentials
- Physically confronting players on the field after the final whistle
The match, held in Miami, ended with a 2-1 win for Inter Miami, but things turned tense after the final whistle. An on-field argument broke out between players from both teams, and that’s when Cheuko intervened.
He ran onto the field and pushed two Atlas players away from Messi, despite not having any official permission to be on the pitch.
Who Is Yassine Cheuko?
Yassine Cheuko is Messi’s personal bodyguard, hired by Inter Miami to ensure his security both on and off the pitch. A former soldier with a background in mixed martial arts, Cheuko has become a well-known figure due to his constant presence near Messi during matches.
This isn’t the first time Cheuko has drawn attention:
- Earlier this season, MLS rules prohibited him from staying on the sidelines during matches.
- He was regularly seen escorting Messi around the field, even during fan invasions.
Cheuko once admitted in an interview that he’s there specifically to stop pitch invaders from getting near Messi. But in this latest incident, he overstepped his role by confronting opposing players, not fans.
Players React to the Incident
After the match, Atlas player Matheus Doria addressed the altercation in a press conference. While he acknowledged that Cheuko’s role is to protect Messi from pitch invaders, Doria emphasized:
“He is there to protect him from a possible entry of a fan… but he does not have that permission [to interfere] with players.”
This sentiment reflects the broader concern that Cheuko’s involvement crossed a line, violating the rules that govern player safety and match security.
What Does the Suspension Mean?
The suspension prevents Cheuko from entering any technical area in the Leagues Cup for the remainder of the tournament. This includes:
- The sidelines
- The bench area
- Any part of the field before, during, or after games
While Inter Miami has not issued an official statement yet, the decision sends a clear message: even personal security must follow league rules.
Will This Affect Inter Miami and Messi?
From a security standpoint, Messi will likely still be guarded off the field and at team facilities. However, during matches, Cheuko will no longer be allowed near the pitch—at least for the remainder of the Leagues Cup.
This could potentially impact how Messi is protected in volatile moments, especially given his popularity and the frequent pitch invasions by fans trying to get close to him.
This incident highlights the fine line between security and interference. While protecting a high-profile player like Messi is critical, leagues must also uphold rules that maintain fairness and safety for all players on the pitch.
With Messi and Inter Miami continuing their Leagues Cup journey, all eyes will now be on how the team handles security and whether similar incidents will be prevented in future matches.
Stay tuned for more updates on Inter Miami, Messi, and the ongoing drama in the Leagues Cup.
