Messi’s team, Inter Miami, told ESPN that it was the club’s decision not to allow Cheuko on the sidelines, instead deciding to rely on their own security team to handle fans.

The most important game of the 2025 season so far for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami is Wednesday night's Concacaf Champions Cup meeting with LAFC.

LAFC made the Champions Cup finals in 2020 and 2023 and beat the Columbus Crew 4–2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 last month. Denis Bouanga, the MLS Golden Boot winner in 2023 and co-runner-up with Messi and Luis Suarez last season, scored three of L.A.’s four goals against the Crew.