Messi Hit with $7 Million Lawsuit Over No-Show at Argentina Friendlies
Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association are facing a $7 million lawsuit in Florida after the soccer superstar failed to take the pitch in two friendly matches he was contractually committed to playing in.
Miami-based sports and entertainment promoter VID launched legal action this Tuesday, filing fraud and breach of contract claims against both Messi and the AFA. The lawsuit reveals that VID shelled out $7 million for exclusive promotional rights to two October friendlies featuring Argentina versus Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The contract specifically guaranteed that Messi would participate for a minimum of 30 minutes in each fixture, unless sidelined by injury.
Instead, Messi didn't step foot on the field for even a single minute in either contest.
The Details Behind the No-Shows
During the October 11 match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Messi was actually in attendance — but only as a spectator in a luxury suite. His decision to sit out was tactical: he wanted to remain fresh for Inter Miami's crucial MLS regular season closer the next evening. While any club coach might understand prioritizing league play, a promoter who invested $7 million expecting him on the pitch saw things quite differently.
The Puerto Rico friendly created additional complications. Initially slated for Chicago's Soldier Field, the match was ultimately moved to Fort Lauderdale at Inter Miami's previous home venue. VID claims this relocation alone cost them more than $1 million in losses. The reasons for the venue switch remain disputed — early reports pointed to social unrest in Chicago related to Trump's National Guard deployment, while Chicago Park District spokesperson Luca Serra told the Associated Press that poor ticket sales prompted the promoter to make the change themselves.
VID further alleges that the AFA attempted to remedy the situation by promising a replacement friendly against China in 2026. That promised match never materialized.
A Growing Trend
This legal action isn't an isolated incident. Just last month, Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps reached a settlement in a class action case after supporters accused them of misleading marketing. Fans had purchased tickets for a May 2024 fixture based on promotional materials suggesting Messi and other Inter Miami superstars would be playing. They didn't appear.
Two lawsuits within weeks, both centred on Messi's participation — or conspicuous absence — highlight serious concerns about how these promotional agreements are drafted and upheld. When a $7 million contract featuring explicit playing-time provisions still can't guarantee Messi takes the field, it's evident the legal and commercial infrastructure governing his appearances requires significant revision. Bettors and fans monitoring Argentina's friendly calendar should take note: even contractual commitments don't necessarily guarantee Messi will suit up.
Neither the Argentine Football Association nor Messi's legal team have issued public statements regarding the lawsuit.