Lionel Messi will no longer have bodyguard Yassine Cheuko by his side for Inter Miami matches.
The former US navy seal has been a recognisable figure in recent years acting as security for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Cheuko has gone viral on multiple occasions with fans enjoying his rapid sprints from the touchline to Messi when the Inter Miami star is approached by adoring pitch invaders.
But now Messi will have to take to the field without Cheuko after Major League Soccer banned him from pitchside duties.
The decision comes from the league’s insistence to take full control of matchday security for the Argentine.
The new terms also apply to Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup fixtures.
Cheuko broke the news to House of Highlights, claiming that MLS no longer wants him to fulfil his duties.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” he said. “I was in Europe for seven years working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch.
“I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch. There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi.”
Despite the change, Cheuko holds no ill-feeling towards MLS but claims that a collaborative approval with the league could have been the better solution.
“I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together,” Cheuko added. “I love helping. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It’s fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better.”
Elsewhere, Cheuko could have his hands full with YouTuber and boxer Logan Paul.
@yasstchuekoCheuko accompanied Messi to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2023[/caption]
GettyCheuko was often seen entering the pitch to protect Messi from invaders[/caption]
Paul and Messi are currently locked in a legal dispute over their rival drink brands.
Alongside fellow YouTube sensation KSI, Paul launched the PRIME hydration prior to Messi entering the market with his own product, Mas+.
Messi’s drink contains similar packaging to PRIME however it was the Argentine’s team that called out Paul by suing PRIME for “anti-competitive” behaviour, last October.
Mas+ said that PRIME tried to pressure them into changing their packaging, a situation that was PRIME countersue, alleging Mas+ had copied their design.
Paul later offered to drop the lawsuit if Messi settled the issue with a boxing match.
While Messi failed to respond, Cheuko waded into the dispute telling Paul he is totally ready for a fight that more than one will not want to miss.
“You say I need attention, you need attention,” Cheuko said. “Now let’s stop talking because I know you’re a product of YouTube. I come from the street. I’ll see you in the ring.
Paul took his time to respond but eventually did so in ferocious fashion.
He said: “It’s an MMA guy who thinks he can box, who thinks he is entitled to victory or attention because he is Messi’s bodyguard.
“I’ve offered people to fly out before, he doesn’t even deserve a fly out.
“I’m here in Puerto Rico, if you want to pull up to me in Puerto Rico you are more than welcome bro.”
“When I beat your ass and that is a big when, not if, you have to drink prime,” he added.
“I really would start to feel bad for Messi because he’s going to lose this lawsuit, he’s probably going to lose his bodyguard, because why the f*** would you hire a bodyguard who can get beat up by a YouTuber.
“The man is losing everything, except the World Cup.”
