'Beat up by a YouTuber' - Logan Paul aims another jibe at Lionel Messi as WWE superstar responds to boxing fight request from Inter Miami icon's bodyguard Yassine Chueko

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has become caught up in a hydration drink legal battle between PRIME – fronted by Paul and social media sensation KSI – and his Mas+ brand. WWE superstar Paul initially joked that he would be happy to settle any differences with Messi in the ring.

Former Navy SEAL Chueko, who is charged with the task of keeping pitch-invading supporters away from Messi, responded to Paul’s comments by saying that his client "doesn’t even know who this guy is". He went on to say that he would happily cover for Messi and lace up a pair of gloves if Paul really did want a tussle.

Chueko has since added: "Listen, Logan, I’m doing this video because a lot of people they stop me in the streets, they send me message, I get a lot of comments on Instagram about this fight. So now the reverse is broken, there’s no way out. Let’s do the fight for the people. Let’s do it."

Paul is not backing down and has aimed shots at Chueko and Messi in a video posted on YouTube in which he said: "Tell him to get in line, bro. It's an MMA guy who thinks he can box, who thinks he's entitled to victory or attention because he's Messi's bodyguard. I've offered to fly people out before, he doesn't even deserve a fly out.

"It's like, bro, I'm here in Puerto Rico, if you want to pull up on me in Puerto Rico, you're more than welcome, bro. When I beat your ass, and it's a big when, not if, when I beat your ass, you've got to drink PRIME. You've got to drink PRIME, bro.

"I really would start to feel bad for Messi because he's going to lose this lawsuit, he's probably going to lose his bodyguard, because why the f*ck would you hire a bodyguard if you get beat up by a YouTuber. The man is just losing everything - except the World Cup. Respect."

Messi has steered of the online war of words, with the Argentine icon having more important things to worry about. He has been struggling with injury issues this season, leading to his game time being limited at Inter Miami, but the Herons will be back in MLS action on Saturday when playing host to the Philadelphia Union.