A dramatic finish to the Leagues Cup clash between Inter Miami and Atlas has sparked controversy, following a post-match scuffle that saw Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, enter the pitch in violation of tournament rules.
The match, played on July 30 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, ended with a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami. The decisive stoppage-time goal by Marcelo Weigandt, assisted by Lionel Messi, was initially disallowed before being overturned by VAR, igniting tensions between players and staff from both sides.
During the tense post-match handshake, Cheuko — dressed in a black Inter Miami t-shirt — entered the field without official credentials, reportedly shoving Atlas defender Jorge San Martín while attempting to separate clashing players. A video of the moment has since gone viral, drawing widespread criticism.
On Friday, the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee confirmed Cheuko’s suspension for the remainder of the tournament and fined Inter Miami an undisclosed amount for “improper conduct.”
Atlas defender Matheus Doria condemned the interference, stating: “Messi’s bodyguard is there to protect him from fans, not get involved with players. He doesn’t have that permission.”
Cheuko, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, was hired by Inter Miami in 2023, reportedly handpicked by club president David Beckham to safeguard Messi. This is not his first controversy — in April 2025, Inter Miami restricted his pitch-side access after he tackled a teenage fan during an MLS match.
The incident raises fresh concerns about the blurred lines between security and sport.
