Is a Boxing Match on the Horizon? Messi’s Bodyguard Challenges Logan Paul in a Heated Exchange

In a surprising twist to an ongoing legal battle between the drinks brands Prime—owned by YouTuber Logan Paul and KSI—and Lionel Messi’s newly launched Mas+, tensions have escalated into a potential boxing showdown. Yassine Cheuko, Messi's dedicated bodyguard and a trained MMA fighter, has thrust himself into the spotlight, challenging Paul directly after the latter invited Messi to a fight during their brand dispute.

 

The feud originated when Paul accused Messi's Mas+ of infringing on Prime's trademark following its June 2024 launch. In response, Cheuko offered to fight Paul in Messi's stead, stating, "If Logan really wants a fight, he can fight me, not a football player." This prompted Paul to decline a £11.3 million ($15 million) offer for a formal bout, instead opting for a bare-knuckle street challenge in Puerto Rico, a scenario Cheuko deemed unacceptable.

 

In a message laden with sarcasm, Cheuko dismissed Paul’s suggestion, asserting, "You are not a gangster, Lolo, and I am not a kid. We are not gonna fight on the street." His colourful rhetoric continued as he labelled Paul, who he refers to as "Lolo, the king of excuses," urging him to quit the theatrics and "sign the contract" for a proper boxing match. This back-and-forth has captivated audiences, showcasing two vastly different personalities colliding within the ring of social media and sports entertainment.

 

Logan Paul, notorious for his brash persona, responded with typical bravado, cheekily saying, "I don’t give a damn about doing [the fight], because I'm a WWE superstar who found his calling in life." However, he could not escape the jabs from Cheuko, who has made headlines for his prowess in protecting Messi from intruders on the pitch, reportedly intercepting numerous pitch invaders to date.

 

The legal battle between Prime and Mas+ highlights deeper themes in celebrity culture, wherein personal disputes can morph into public spectacles. Cheuko’s emergence as a figure in this saga underlines not just his commitment to protect Messi but also his own narrative as a professional fighter willing to step into the fray over his boss’s honour. As Cheuko boldly stated, "Let me help Messi. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe," hinting at a potential sidelining by the Major League Soccer (MLS) despite his proven track record.

 

As for whether this heated exchange will lead to an actual boxing match, the answer remains uncertain. Paul has thrown out several challenges, and Cheuko is more than ready to take him up on it in a ring rather than on the streets. With both sides demonstrating a willingness to engage, fans can only speculate if the bout will materialise.

 

With the visibility of social media, the dynamics of sport and entertainment are continually evolving, posing questions about authenticity and competition in the industry. As this story unfolds, it invites reflection on the blurred lines between sportsmanship and showmanship. Could this lead to a boxing ring rivalry that engages a global audience? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Logan Paul
• Messi
• Yassine Cheuko