The simmering tension between WWE superstar Logan Paul and football legend Lionel Messi has intensified after the YouTube sensation turned professional wrestler took another jab at the Inter Miami icon. Paul’s latest comments came in response to a boxing challenge from Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, reigniting a bizarre but increasingly personal feud that has captivated both sports and entertainment audiences.
During a recent episode of his *Impaulsive* podcast, Paul couldn’t resist another dig at Messi, referencing their past encounter in Japan where the Argentine forward appeared to snub him at a press event. “Imagine getting beat up by a YouTuber,” Paul quipped, smirking at the hypothetical scenario. “That’s the last thing Messi needs after his little cold shoulder act.”
The remark follows weeks of indirect exchanges between the two, stemming from Paul’s initial claim that Messi had disrespected him during a Prime Hydration promotional event in Tokyo. Since then, the social media mogul has repeatedly brought up the incident, turning it into an ongoing narrative that has now escalated into a potential physical confrontation—albeit not with Messi himself.
The feud took an unexpected turn when Yassine Chueko, Messi’s longtime security guard and confidant, publicly called out Paul for a boxing match. Chueko, a former professional kickboxer with an imposing physique, didn’t mince words, telling Spanish outlet *Sport*: “If Logan wants to keep talking, he can step into the ring with me instead of hiding behind a microphone.”
Paul, never one to back down from a viral moment, quickly responded on social media. Reposting Chueko’s challenge on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Messi’s bodyguard wants smoke? Bro, you’re not even the main character. But sure, let’s make it entertaining—WWE, boxing, or a street fight? I’ll let you pick how you lose.”
What began as a minor celebrity misunderstanding has morphed into a full-blown spectacle, blending sports, entertainment, and social media drama. Paul, a master of leveraging controversy for engagement, seems to be enjoying the back-and-forth, while Messi has remained characteristically silent—leaving Chueko to act as his de facto representative.
Combat sports analysts are divided on whether a Paul vs. Chueko fight would ever materialize. Paul, who has boxed Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition and currently holds the WWE United States Championship, has the combat sports credentials to make it plausible. Chueko, meanwhile, has a legitimate martial arts background but no professional boxing record.
“This is exactly the kind of circus Logan Paul thrives in,” said MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. “He’s turned a non-issue with Messi into a potential pay-per-view event. Whether it happens or not, he’s already won by keeping his name in the headlines.”
Despite Paul’s relentless provocations, Messi’s inner circle has largely ignored the drama, focusing instead on Inter Miami’s MLS campaign. However, football and wrestling fans have eagerly taken sides, with #PaulVsChueko trending across multiple platforms.
Some argue that Paul is merely using Messi’s global fame to stay relevant, while others believe Chueko’s challenge adds an intriguing layer to the story. “Logan talks a big game, but Yassine is no joke,” commented one fan on Reddit. “If this actually happens, it might be more competitive than people think.”
While WWE or a celebrity boxing promoter could theoretically organize a spectacle, logistical hurdles remain. Paul is under contract with WWE, which may limit his ability to take unsanctioned fights. Chueko, meanwhile, is employed full-time as Messi’s protector, making it unlikely he’d risk injury for what many would see as a publicity stunt.
Still, in the era of influencer boxing, stranger things have happened. Jake Paul, Logan’s brother, has built an entire career around fighting mixed martial artists and retired athletes. If the demand grows loud enough, a one-off exhibition bout isn’t out of the question.
The Paul-Messi saga underscores how modern fame operates—where viral moments, perceived slights, and social media clapbacks can generate more attention than actual achievements. Paul, who has successfully transitioned from Vine star to WWE headliner, understands this better than most.
Meanwhile, Messi, a man who has spent two decades letting his football do the talking, represents the old guard—unwilling to engage in the kind of tabloid drama that fuels internet feuds. The contrast between the two couldn’t be starker.
For now, Logan Paul seems content to keep the narrative alive, whether through podcast quips or social media taunts. If Chueko remains adamant, a fight could materialize—but don’t expect Messi to get involved beyond bemused indifference.
One thing is certain: as long as Paul can spin this into content, the “feud” will continue. And in today’s attention economy, that might be the whole point.
