'Another excuse' - Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko responds to bare knuckle fight claim from WWE superstar Logan Paul

The pair have become caught up in a war of words on social media. The feud, which remains online for now, started when YouTube sensation Paul claimed that he would happily settle a legal case with Messi - between energy drink brands PRIME and Mas+ - inside the ring.

Former Navy SEAL Cheuko offered to step up and take Messi’s place, with the Paris native - who first started working with Inter Miami icon Messi during his time at PSG - a trained MMA fighter.

Paul claims to have turned down the offer of a $15 million (£11m) boxing match with Cheuko. The 30-year-old - who is now a professional wrestler - has, however, suggested that he would be willing to face Cheuko in a bare knuckle scrap on the streets of Puerto Rico.

Cheuko is not backing down and has fired back by saying: "Listen Lolo, you're so cute with your blonde hair. Why are you getting nervous? Stop the drama Lolo.

"So now you find another excuse. Last time you said you're a WWE superstar, and now you told me, come to Puerto Rico to fight in the streets without gloves or a mouth guard. Lolo! Stop your drama, Lolo. You already know we cannot do that. You are not a gangster, Lolo, and I am not a kid. We are not gonna fight on the street.

"So now, sign the contract, Lolo. Stop excuses. What is [your] next excuse? You gonna tell me you're an astronaut, let's fight to the moon? Lolo! Stop excuses, sign the contract. But I promise, I'm not gonna knock you out in the first round. Take it easy, Lolo."

Messi has stayed out of the drama, with there more important things for him to focus on at present. Inter Miami have hit an inconsistent run and need their eight-time Ballon d’Or winner - as the reigning MVP of MLS - to drag them back into form.