Yassine Cheuko, Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, has been suspended from all technical areas for the remainder of the Leagues Cup following an incident where he pushed Club Atlas players during the competition earlier this week. The disciplinary committee took this action after reviewing video evidence from the July 30 match between Inter Miami and Club Atlas, confirming Cheuko’s involvement despite not publicly naming him.
Leagues Cup Authorities Confirm Sanctions and Fine Imposed on Inter Miami
The Leagues Cup disciplinary body issued a formal suspension against Cheuko and levied an undisclosed fine on Inter Miami for improper behavior. Their official statement explained that a member of the Inter Miami delegation entered restricted zones without the necessary event credentials. This breach of protocol prompted both the ban and the financial penalty.
“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.”
Reactions from Club Atlas Defenders on the Incident
Following the altercation, Club Atlas defenders expressed clear dissatisfaction with the behavior of Messi’s bodyguard. Matheus Doria, a defender for the Mexican team, said the club’s leadership would handle the issue internally, emphasizing boundaries regarding interactions between staff and players.
“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.”
Context of the Match and Messi’s Impact
In the same match that triggered the disciplinary action, Lionel Messi significantly influenced the outcome by assisting both goals that led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Club Atlas. The winning goal was scored in stoppage time by Marcelo Weigandt, securing a dramatic finish.
Ongoing Consequences and Club Policies Regarding Security Staff
This suspension closely follows an earlier decision by Inter Miami to restrict the presence of Messi’s bodyguard on the sidelines, a move reportedly independent of Major League Soccer‘s authority. Despite the ban, Cheuko remains employed by the club, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding security protocols and staff conduct during the high-profile tournament. The disciplinary measures underline the league’s commitment to maintaining order and safety while emphasizing strict limitations on technical area access during matches.