Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has gone viral for responding to Logan Paul’s challenge to the Inter Miami star. The wrestler, influencer, and businessman called out Messi back in February, as they are in the middle of their trademark lawsuit, offering to drop the suit if the Argentine agreed to step into the ring with him.
However, Cheuko is willing to step in for the World Cup champion. In a new video posted to social media, the bodyguard was asked about Paul’s challenge. “Messi doesn’t even know who this guy is,” Cheuko said from his Muay Thai gym.
“If Logan really wants a fight, he can fight me, not a soccer player,” he added. “You would destroy him,” his training partner said before the video showcased Cheuko’s skills. However, a potential fight seems highly unlikely as Paul has clarified it all was a joke.
Soon after making his challenge, Paul addressed the situation on his podcast. “Bro, people think I really wanna fight Messi because I made that video. Everyone’s like, ‘Of course you want to fight someone retired and smaller than you.’ It was a f** joke. I’m not fighting Messi, guys, it was a joke for attention. For f** attention, bro.”
What is Messi and Paul’s legal battle?
Paul, alongside business partner KSI, launched PRIME Hydration, an energy drink that has seen significant success, becoming the official beverage of the UFC, LA Lakers, LA Dodgers, and Messi’s former club, Barcelona.
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In 2023, Messi introduced his own drink, Mas+, which featured similar packaging and branding to PRIME. However, it was Messi’s camp that initiated legal action first, suing PRIME in October for “anti-competitive” behavior, claiming they were pressured to change their packaging. A month later, PRIME countersued, alleging Mas+ had copied their design.
Yassine Cheuko is Lionel Messi’s bodyguard (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
“Brother, you copied us. Everyone saw it. They saw what you did. Everyone notices it, and then we get sued. Hold on, wait, what?” Paul said in a social media video challenging Messi. “This ain’t justice. So we counter-sued, obviously,” he explained.
Who is Yassine Cheuko, Messi’s bodyguard?
Cheuko, who 34-year-old is a Muay Thai fighter and an ex-Navy SEAL, oversees security on the field during matches and manages a team of 50 people dedicated to protecting the star at all times. Beyond his role, the military operative has gained a massive following on social media, amassing over 1 million Instagram followers.
