Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko suspended for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup matches

One of Lionel Messi’s key conditions upon joining Inter Miami was the presence of personal security — a role filled by Yassine Cheuko, who has since become a familiar face on the sidelines. However, after violating tournament protocol during the Leagues Cup clash with Club Atlas, Cheuko has been suspended for the remainder of the competition.

Cheuko has drawn attention throughout Messi’s time in North America for his frequent interventions and swift pitchside presence whenever tensions rise around the Argentine star. But during Wednesday’s game against Atlas, Cheuko entered a restricted area without proper accreditation amid a post-match scuffle, prompting disciplinary action.

On Friday, Leagues Cup organizers released a statement detailing the infraction: “After the Inter Miami CF vs. Club Atlas match on July 30, a member of the Inter Miami CF delegation engaged in inappropriate behavior by entering restricted areas without an official event credential.“

The tournament’s Disciplinary Committee announced sanctions for both the individual and the club: “In accordance with the 2025 Leagues Cup Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual involved from all technical areas for the remainder of the 2025 Leagues Cup and has issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF,” the statement concluded.

Inter Miami now prepare for their second Leagues Cup match, facing Liga MX side Necaxa at Chase Stadium. During the win over Atlas, Messi was involved in heated exchanges both during and after the match. But this Saturday, he’ll be without Cheuko on the sideline.

Cheuko, previously suspended by MLS

With just one Leagues Cup match played, Cheuko’s suspension is a significant setback — especially if Inter Miami advances deeper into the tournament. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the bodyguard has faced disciplinary action.

In March, Major League Soccer issued its own suspension, banning Cheuko from standing on the sidelines during Messi’s games. To comply, Inter Miami officially integrated him into the club’s security team, allowing him to remain close to the action.