Messi's bodyguard offers to fight Logan Paul to settle lawsuit

Yassine Cheuko (L) challenges Logan Paul (R) on social media for a fight to settle a lawsuit with Lionel Messi (C). Photos by Instagram/@yasstcheuko

Messi, 37, and Paul, 29, are currently locked in a legal battle over their competing hydration drink brands.

In 2022, Paul and business partner, YouTuber KSI, launched PRIME Hydration, which quickly became a massive success, selling over one billion units and securing sponsorships with Arsenal, the UFC and Barcelona, Messi's former club.

Three years later, Messi introduced his own hydration brand, Mas+, which has a striking familiar look to PRIME in packaging. Despite the similarities, it was Messi's team who first sued PRIME last October, accusing the company of "anti-competitive" behavior. They claimed PRIME attempted to pressure Mas+ into changing its packaging.

Paul countersued a month later, alleging that Messi's brand copied PRIME's trademark design, talkSPORT reported.

Paul then escalated the rivalry by posting a video on social media, offering to drop the lawsuit if Messi agreed to fight him in the ring.

Cheuko quickly responded to Paul in a video.

"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 football player."

In the video shared online, Cheuko's training partner chimes in: "You would destroy him." The clip then cuts to Cheuko unleashing a series of brutal kicks and punches on a heavy bag, showcasing his martial arts expertise.

Cheuko was hired as Messi's personal bodyguard by Inter Miami upon the star's arrival in 2023. A former Navy SEAL and skilled Muay Thai fighter, he has proven his dedication to protecting the Argentine superstar.

In October, Cheuko went viral for his lightning-fast reaction when a young fan attempted to approach Messi during a match against FC Toronto. Spotting the pitch invader from across the field, he sprinted from the corner flag to the center circle in just seven seconds, intercepting the fan before they could reach Messi.

Beyond his pitchside duties, Cheuko leads a security team of 50 people, ensuring Messi’s safety around the clock. His presence has not gone unnoticed, as he has amassed over one million Instagram followers, turning him into a social media sensation.