The most important game of the 2025 season so far for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami is Wednesday night's Concacaf Champions Cup meeting with LAFC.

Lionel Messi's bodyguard is speaking out in concern after he was banned from working on the sidelines of Inter Miami's field, despite fans frequently trying to jump on the pitch and meet the star.

Los Angeles is a city of stars, so it was only fitting that Lionel Messi was back in the Inter Miami starting lineup for the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal game against LAFC late Wednesday night.

There will be a notable absence on the touchline of Inter Miami's MLS matches from now on, not a player or coach, but Lionel Messi's famous bodyguard.

Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko's access at Inter Miami CF games has changed, a club spokesperson told USA TODAY Sports.

All eyes are on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami travel to Los Angeles to take on LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano recognized the importance of reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals as a young club, but warned against taking the quarterfinal series against LAFC for granted.

Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami against LAFC in the first leg of the quarterfinal round of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup tournament.