Leagues Cup Bans Messi’s Bodyguard After Heated Inter Miami Vs Atlas Incident

‎The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee announced that a member of Inter Miami’s club delegation will be suspended from all technical areas for the remainder of the tournament.

‎The suspension follows an incident that occurred after Wednesday night’s match against Atlas at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium.

‎A source confirmed that the suspended individual is Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi‘s bodyguard.

‎”After the July 30 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,” the disciplinary committee announced in a news release.

‎”By the Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual involved from all technical areas for the remainder of Leagues Cup 2025 and issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF.”

‎After the match, the bodyguard entered the pitch to intervene in a dispute between players from both teams, making contact with members of Atlas.

‎During a news conference on Friday, Atlas defender Matheus Doria spoke about the incident, emphasizing that Cheuko does not have permission to be on the pitch when involving player matters.

‎”We already know that our board works very well and will take care of the issue. I understand that Messi’s bodyguard is there to protect Messi from a possible entry by a fan, I don’t know, but between players, he doesn’t have that permission,” Doria said.

‎”It’s not up to us to say much or give our opinion on the matter, but the board and those in charge of the Leagues Cup have already seen it and will take charge of what can and can’t be done because as long as it protects not only Messi but the other players, and the physical integrity of the players who are there, that’s fine. But if it’s for other issues, no one will agree, but it’s not up to me to do anything.”

‎Cheuko was previously banned by Inter Miami from being present on the sidelines during Major League Soccer matches, although he continued to be part of the club’s security team.