Miami, USA— Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 Leagues Cup following an incident during Inter Miami’s match against Atlas, according to reports from Daily Mail, ESPN, and other outlets.
The disciplinary committee confirmed that Cheuko entered restricted areas without proper credentials after the July 30 game and intervened in a post-match confrontation between Inter Miami and Atlas players. Cheuko was seen entering the pitch after the final whistle and physically engaging with several Atlas players, including pushing defender Jorge San Martín.
An official statement read: “After the Inter Miami CF vs. Club Atlas match, a member of Inter Miami’s club delegation displayed improper conduct by entering restricted areas without an official event credential. In accordance with Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual from all technical areas for the remainder of the tournament and issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF.”
Atlas defender Matheus Doria acknowledged the security concerns but emphasized that Cheuko was not authorized to be on the field among players.
“I understand Messi’s bodyguard is there to protect Messi from fans, but he does not have permission to intervene between players,” Doria said, adding that the club’s board and Leagues Cup officials were handling the matter.
This is not the first disciplinary action involving Cheuko; earlier in 2025, he was banned from bench-side presence during MLS matches but continued working with the club’s security.
After serving a one-match suspension, Messi returned to action against Atlas in the same competition and contributed with assists in a 2-1 victory.
The Leagues Cup, featuring MLS and Liga MX teams, is currently in its group stage, with the top four from each group advancing to knockout rounds.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | August 2, 2025
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