The high-stakes world of international football saw a significant disciplinary action recently, as Lionel Messi’s prominent bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, received a ban from the 2025 Leagues Cup. This unprecedented decision stems from an unauthorized entry onto the field during a contentious post-game scuffle following Inter Miami’s victory over Atlas, highlighting the intense scrutiny surrounding the sport’s biggest stars.
The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee, overseeing the joint competition between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, swiftly announced its verdict. Their official statement confirmed that “a member of Inter Miami’s club delegation displayed improper conduct by entering restricted areas without an official event credential,” leading to Cheuko’s suspension from all technical areas for the remainder of Leagues Cup 2025, alongside an undisclosed fine levied against Inter Miami CF.
Since Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer in 2023, Yassine Cheuko has become a ubiquitous and often talked-about presence on the touchline at Inter Miami matches. His primary role involves preventing pitch invaders from reaching the Argentine superstar, a task that has considerably tested MLS security protocols given Messi’s unparalleled global popularity and the consequent surge in security breaches.
The specific incident unfolded at the conclusion of a particularly fiery match that saw players and coaches from both Inter Miami and Atlas engaging in heated exchanges. As the full-time whistle blew, the customary post-game interactions quickly devolved into a heated confrontation. Cheuko was reportedly seen amidst the scuffling players and team staffers, at one point making contact with Atlas defender Jorge San Martín.
This is not the first instance where Cheuko’s highly visible role has drawn official attention or pushback. In April, Inter Miami had informed USA TODAY Sports that the bodyguard would be restricted from the field during the club’s MLS matches. At that time, Cheuko himself had reportedly acknowledged being “banned” from the field, although the club maintained his continued employment as part of their security detail.
The latest incident further underscores the growing friction points between Lionel Messi’s entourage and the league organizers, specifically Major League Soccer and Liga MX, who jointly manage the Leagues Cup. This ongoing tension is part of a broader narrative of challenges in managing the global icon’s presence within the league’s established structures and rules.
Just last week, for example, Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba faced scrutiny after opting out of the MLS All-Star Game. Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas cited the crucial need to rest Messi amidst the Herons’ unusually demanding schedule. However, Messi was reportedly “very upset” after MLS decided to enforce a rule mandating participation for healthy players named to the All-Star roster, adding another layer to the complex relationship dynamics.
These repeated incidents involving security protocols and player management highlight the unique challenges presented by a figure of Messi’s magnitude in a rapidly growing league. Ensuring both player safety and adherence to competition regulations remains a delicate balance for football authorities.
