Lionel Messi’s bodyguard has offered to step in and fight Logan Paul after the YouTuber called out his boss.
Messi and Paul are currently seeking legal action against each other over their rival hydration drinks brands.
Instagram – Yassine Cheucko/ GETTYPaul called out Messi last month[/caption]
In 2022, Paul, along with business partner KSI, released the hugely successful PRIME hydration to the masses.
Three years on, they have sold over one billion units, and have struck multiple brand deals with the likes of Arsenal, the UFC and Messi’s former club Barcelona.
In 2024, Messi followed suit by launching his own hydration drink line called Mas+ which is packaged very similarly to Paul’s PRIME brand.
Despite this, it was Messi’s team who fired the first legal shots by suing PRIME last October for “anti-competitive” behaviour.
Mas+ alleged that PRIME had tried to pressure them into changing their packaging, prompting Paul to countersue Messi’s brand one month later for ‘copying’ their trademarked design.
In a video uploaded to his social media channels, Paul offered to drop the lawsuit if Messi picked up the gloves and settled their differences in the ring.
Messi is yet to respond, but his bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has.
“Messi doesn’t even know who this guy is,” said Cheuko from his Muay Thai gym.
“If Logan really wants a fight, he can fight me, not a football player.”
Cheuko’s training partner could then be heard saying “You would destroy him” before the video transitioned to the martial arts expert battering the heavy bag with a series of blistering kicks and punches.
Happy PunchCheucko is a Muay Thai fighter and an ex-Navy SEAL[/caption]
Inter Miami hired Cheuko as Messi’s personal bodyguard upon his arrival at the club in 2023 – and it is safe to say he is in safe hands.
The 34-year-old is a Muay Thai fighter and an ex-Navy SEAL, who is incredibly dedicated to his role.
He went viral last October for making his way across the pitch at full tilt to stop a young fan from getting to Messi during a 1-0 win over FC Toronto.
After clocking the pitch invader’s advances, Cheuko sprinted from the corner flag to the centre circle to make a stunning interception.
It took him just seven seconds to reach Messi, easily beating the youngster, who had a substantial headstart.
Cheuko is responsible for patrolling the pitch during games and leads a team of 50 people who work around the clock to keep the star safe.
He has also built up a significant social media presence, with the military operative boasting over 1 million followers on Instagram alone.
