Former US Navy SEAL Yassine Chueko wants to replace Lionel Messi in the ring when challenged by Logan Paul, in the context of the two sides’ legal dispute over energy drink brand copyright.

Messi’s Mas+ launches in 2024, aiming to take market share from Prime, the brand Paul founded with youtuber KSI in 2022.

The similarities in branding and design between the two products have been widely noted. Mas+ has filed a lawsuit, accusing PRIME of forcing them to change their branding.

PRIME then countersued Mas+ for trademark infringement, while Paul publicly criticized Messi. “Hey man, you copied us. Everyone saw it,” the American YouTuber said. “They saw what you did. Everyone noticed it and then we got sued. Wait, wait, what? This is not fair. So obviously we have to countersue. If you can’t beat the best, you have to be the best. But that’s illegal. That’s trademark infringement.”

Paul also announced that he would “consider dropping everything and withdrawing the lawsuit” if Messi agreed to fight him this year. “See you in the ring, my friend”, Paul sent a challenging message to the Argentine star.

Cheuko immediately responded and wanted to replace Messi in the ring with Paul. “Messi doesn’t even know who this guy is. If Paul really wanted to box, he could have fought me, not a football player,” Messi’s bodyguard said.

Cheuko is a former Navy SEAL, has combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, is good at taekwondo, boxing and has fought in several MMA matches.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham chose Chueko as Messi’s personal bodyguard because of his high level of professionalism, given the increasing number of fans running onto the pitch in recent years. Chueko’s job during matches is to stop players from approaching Messi or catch shirts thrown at the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner by fans in the stands.

Paul is also a social media star and has made two official appearances in boxing. In his first match in 2019, he lost to fellow British YouTuber Olajide Olayinka Williams after six rounds on judges’ scorecard, then beat Dillon Danis in October 2023.

In the summer of 2021, Logan made a strong impression when he drew with Floyd Mayweather after eight rounds in an exhibition match at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. According to British newspaper Sunsport, the American YouTuber pocketed 20 million USD thanks to this match.