'It was a joke' - Why Lionel Messi won't be fighting Logan Paul after WWE star called out Inter Miami captain in Prime vs Mas+ lawsuit

WWE superstar Paul forms part of an energy drink legal battle against eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. Prime Hydration are locked in a lawsuit with Mas+. Accusations of trademark violation have been made, alongside harassment claims.

As that case threatens to be dragged through the courts, Paul – who works in partnership with social media sensation KSI as heads of the Prime brand – suggested that issues could be resolved man-to-man by lacing up a pair of gloves.

Paul said in a message directed at World Cup winner Messi: "Brother, you copied us. Everyone saw it. They saw what you did. Everyone notices it and then we got sued. Hold on, wait, what? This ain’t justice. So we countersued, obviously.

"If you can’t beat the best, you gotta be the best. But that’s illegal. That’s trademark infringement. We’re holding him accountable, and it’s harassment? All jokes aside, I will consider dropping this if Logan Paul vs Messi [gets made in] 2025. I’ll see you in the ring, brother."

Paul has now said during a discussion with brother Jake on his YouTube channel: "Bro, people think I really wanna fight Messi because I made that video. Everyone’s like, ‘Of course you want to fight someone retired and smaller than you.’ It was a f*cking joke. I’m not fighting Messi guys, it was a joke for attention. For f*cking attention bro."

Messi has no time to consider a slugfest at present, with his focus locked on events at Inter Miami. They have opened their quest for MLS Cup glory in 2025, while also making positive early progress in CONCACAF Champions Cup competition.