Lionel Messi faces multi-million dollar lawsuit over missed Argentina friendly
Lionel Messi is facing legal trouble over a missed Argentina friendly in the US. A Miami-based promoter claims his absence led to major financial losses under a multi-million dollar deal.
Argentina and Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit after allegedly missing an Argentina friendly, with a Miami-based promoter claiming breach of contract. The case revolves around a reported $7 million agreement tied to Messi’s participation in exhibition matches.
The lawsuit, filed by Vid Music Group against Messi and the Argentine Football Association, alleges that the superstar failed to meet contractual obligations linked to two friendlies held in the United States last year.
According to the legal filing, the promoter had secured exclusive rights to organise and commercialise Argentina’s matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, with Messi’s appearance forming a central part of the agreement.
The contract reportedly required Messi to feature for a minimum duration in both matches unless he was ruled out due to injury.
The controversy stems from the first fixture, where Messi did not take the field against Venezuela and instead watched the game from the stands at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The absence raised concerns for the promoter, especially given Messi’s global draw and the premium associated with his presence.
The situation became more complicated when Messi played the following day for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a league match, which the promoter has cited while questioning the circumstances around his absence from the friendly.
Messi did return for the second match against Puerto Rico, but by then, logistical changes and reduced ticket demand had already impacted the event. The fixture had been moved to a smaller venue, and ticket prices were lowered in an attempt to boost attendance.
The promoter claims that Messi’s absence from the first game and the overall disruption to the event led to significant financial losses, although the exact compensation being sought has not been publicly specified.
Neither Messi nor the Argentine FA have issued an official response so far, with the matter now set to be decided through legal proceedings.