Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, seems to be taking his role quite seriously during The Leagues Cup.
Following a post-match altercation where Cheuko charged onto the field to separate Atlas players from Messi, the League Cup Disciplinary Committee has decided to ban him for the remainder of the tournament, which runs until August 31st, and has fined Inter Miami an undisclosed amount.
advertisement
Full Statement:
After the match between Inter Miami CF and Club Atlas on July 30, certain members of the Inter Miami delegation displayed inappropriate behavior by entering the restricted area without the necessary credentials. In accordance with the Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the involved individuals from all technical areas for the remainder of the League Cup 2025 and issued a private fine to Inter Miami CF.
ESPN identified Cheuko as one of the individuals from the Inter Miami delegation.
The incident took place on Wednesday after Inter Miami defeated Atlas 2-1. As players congregated in the center, Cheuko intervened physically to break up the scuffle. He was seen in the video wearing a black Miami t-shirt and is described as a bald man with a short beard.
The Atlas players were reportedly unhappy with Cheuko’s involvement. Defender Matheus Doria stated, through ESPN, that regulations should be enforced in this instance.
“Our board is doing a great job, and we’re aware they are addressing this situation. I understand that Messi’s bodyguard is there to ensure his safety from potential intrusions by fans, but within the player group, he doesn’t have that authority,” Doria expressed.
“It’s not our place to make too many comments, but the league officials are already looking into it and have the responsibility to protect not just Messi, but all players present,” he added.
Cheuko has been closely associated with Messi since his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. Contrary to some earlier claims, he is not a former Navy SEAL or a professional MMA fighter, but he has intervened to protect the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner previously.
In April, Inter Miami had banned Cheuko from the sidelines during an MLS match, although he remains part of the team staff.
Fan Take: This news highlights the increasing scrutiny on player safety and conduct in soccer, particularly around high-profile stars like Messi. For soccer fans, it serves as a reminder of the balance between entertainment and ensuring a respectful atmosphere on the pitch.
