Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association are facing a lawsuit over alleged fraud and breach of contract linked to two exhibition matches played in October.
A Miami-based event promotion company, VID, filed the suit, claiming it paid $7 million to secure exclusive rights to organize the friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
According to court filings, Messi was contractually required to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless injured. However, the football star did not feature in either game, instead watching one of the fixtures from the stands. (AOL)
The first match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, saw Messi sit out despite being present, reportedly to remain fit for Inter Miami CF’s MLS regular season finale the following day.
The second fixture, initially scheduled for Soldier Field in Chicago, was later moved to Fort Lauderdale. The promoter claims the venue change led to losses exceeding $1 million.
VID further alleged that the AFA had promised to compensate for the situation with a future match in China in 2026, an arrangement that never materialised.
The case adds to previous legal disputes involving Messi’s absence from high-profile matches, including a recent settlement involving Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps over claims of misleading promotion tied to his participation.
The lawsuit is currently pending in a Florida court.