Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has been dragged into a legal battle in the United States after a Miami-based event promoter filed a lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract linked to a ₹58 crore ($7 million) deal.
The case, filed in a Miami-Dade court, also names the Argentine Football Association (AFA) as a co-defendant.
What the lawsuit alleges
The complaint has been filed by Vid Music Group, which claims it signed an agreement with AFA for exclusive rights to organise and promote two international friendlies—Argentina vs Venezuela and Argentina vs Puerto Rico—held in October 2025.
According to court documents, the promoter paid around $7 million (approximately ₹58 crore) for rights covering ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcast revenue.
A key clause in the contract allegedly required Messi to play at least 30 minutes in both matches unless he was injured.
However, Messi did not feature in the match against Venezuela and instead watched from a private suite, the lawsuit claims.
Claims of financial losses
Vid Music Group has alleged that Messi’s absence significantly impacted ticket sales, sponsorship commitments and overall event value, leading to major financial losses.
The company also pointed out that Messi played for his club Inter Miami CF shortly after the missed match, raising questions over whether he was fit to play.
Although Messi did participate in the second friendly against Puerto Rico, the promoter claims the damage had already been done.
Additionally, the Puerto Rico match had to be shifted from Chicago to Florida due to low ticket sales and external factors, further adding to the losses.
Wider dispute and unanswered questions
The lawsuit also alleges that promised compensatory matches to offset losses were never delivered.
As of now, neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association has publicly responded to the allegations.
Legal experts suggest the case could hinge on whether Messi’s absence was justified on medical or team management grounds, which are often protected in player contracts.
Not the first controversy
This is not the first time Messi’s absence from high-profile matches has triggered controversy. In recent years, similar disputes have emerged when fans and organisers expected the star to play but he did not appear.
However, this case is significant due to the scale of the financial claim and the contractual obligations involved.
Impact on football business
The lawsuit highlights the growing commercial stakes in international football friendlies, where star players like Messi are central to ticket sales and sponsorship deals.
It also raises broader questions about contractual clarity, player availability, and promoter expectations in global sporting events.
Conclusion
While Messi continues to shine on the pitch, this legal challenge adds an off-field complication that could have wider implications for football event contracts. The outcome of the case may set an important precedent for how organisers and teams structure agreements involving star players in the future.
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