LAFC made the Champions Cup finals in 2020 and 2023 and beat the Columbus Crew 4–2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 last month. Denis Bouanga, the MLS Golden Boot winner in 2023 and co-runner-up with Messi and Luis Suarez last season, scored three of L.A.’s four goals against the Crew.

Yassine Cheuko, the bodyguard for Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, said Tuesday that he will no longer be permitted to patrol the touchline during Messi's matches. Per Reuters (h/t ESPN ), Cheuko discussed the decision Tuesday, saying: "They don't allow me to be on the field anymore."

Lionel Messi will no longer have bodyguard Yassine Cheuko by his side for Inter Miami matches. The former US navy seal has been a recognisable figure in recent years acting as security for the