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Yassine Cheuko, bodyguard of Lionel Messi, was suspended for the remainder of the 2025 Leagues Cup after pushing a player from the Mexican team Atlas following the match against Inter Miami.
Cheuko will be banned from all technical areas for the remainder of the tournament following the incident that occurred last Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, a source informed ESPN.
"After the match on July 30 between Inter Miami CF and Club Atlas, a member of the Inter Miami delegation displayed inappropriate behavior by entering restricted areas without official event accreditation," reads a statement from the disciplinary committee of this summer tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX
"In accordance with the Regulations of the Leagues Cup 2025, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual involved from all technical areas for the remainder of the Leagues Cup 2025 and has imposed an undisclosed fine on Inter Miami CF," the statement adds, without disclosing the name of the sanctioned individual.
The incident occurred following Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlas, thanks to a goal from Marcelo Weigandt in the final seconds, after a combination play between Messi and Suárez.
The goal, validated by VAR, fired up Messi, who celebrated right in Matías Cóccaro's face, the Atlas forward who had previously celebrated the temporary equalizer in front of the opposing fans.
After the final whistle, a scuffle broke out in which Cheuko pushed rival players.
"We already know that our management works very well and will take care of the matter. I understand that Messi's bodyguard is there to protect him from a possible intrusion by a fan, I don't know, but among players, he does not have that permission," said Atlas defender Matheus Doria in a press conference this Friday.
"We shouldn't say much or offer our opinion on this matter, but the management and those in charge of the Leagues Cup have already seen it and will handle what can and cannot be done. As long as it protects not only Messi but also the other players and the physical integrity of those involved, it's acceptable. However, if there are other reasons at play, no one will agree, but it's not my place to do anything about it," he added.
This is not the first time Cheuko has been sanctioned. In April, Major League Soccer (MLS) imposed a restriction on him from entering the fields, where he had been accompanying the Inter Miami team on the sidelines for every match until that point.
Cheuko, a former military man and martial arts expert who has been a constant presence since the arrival of the Argentine star in the United States, expressed his discontent with the decision at that time.
"In 20 months in the United States, 16 people have gone into the field searching for Leo. In Europe, in seven years, only six did," Cheuko explained in an interview with House of Highlights.
Cheuko also made headlines by issuing a public challenge to influencer Logan Paul, following rumors that he wanted to fight Messi: “Leo doesn’t know who this guy is. If he wants a fight, he can have one with me,” he said in a video shared on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Messi's Bodyguard in the 2025 Leagues Cup
Why was Messi's bodyguard suspended during the 2025 Leagues Cup?
Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been suspended for pushing a player from the rival team, Atlas, following an Inter Miami match in the 2025 Leagues Cup. This incident occurred after Inter Miami's victory over Atlas, when tensions flared following a decisive goal.
What are the consequences of the suspension for Yassine Cheuko and Inter Miami?
In addition to the suspension, Yassine Cheuko will not be allowed to enter the technical areas for the rest of the tournament, and Inter Miami received a financial fine the amount of which was not disclosed. This penalty aims to maintain order and safety in sporting events.
What was Yassine Cheuko's reaction to this suspension?
Yassine Cheuko expressed dissatisfaction with the measure, emphasizing the importance of his role in protecting Lionel Messi, especially considering the number of people who have invaded the field in the United States to approach the Argentine star. Cheuko has been a constant figure since Messi's arrival in the MLS.
Has Yassine Cheuko had similar incidents in the past?
This is not the first time Yassine Cheuko has been sanctioned. Previously, Major League Soccer (MLS) had imposed a restriction on him entering the fields due to his constant presence on the sidelines during Inter Miami matches.
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