Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has been handed a suspension for the remainder of the Leagues Cup tournament following a breach of protocol, according to Daily Mail.
The disciplinary action stems from an incident that occurred after Inter Miami’s recent clash with Mexican side Club Atlas.
The Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee confirmed that a member of Inter Miami’s delegation entered restricted areas without proper authorization.
A statement from the committee read, “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.
“In accordance with 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.”
Though the initial announcement didn’t mention a name, ESPN later identified the individual as Cheuko, Messi’s close protection officer.
He reportedly stepped onto the field after the final whistle to intervene in an on-field exchange between players, making physical contact with members of the Atlas team.
The incident prompted a response from Atlas defender Matheus Doria during his post-match press conference, “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.
“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.”
Messi, who had just returned from a one-game suspension, starred in the same match by assisting both goals in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win.
The Leagues Cup, a joint competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, is currently in its group stage, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Cheuko’s suspension follows earlier claims made three months ago that he had been banned from attending MLS and CONCACAF games.