Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is facing legal action in Miami after a sports promoter accused him and the Argentine Football Association of failing to comply with a multimillion-dollar agreement tied to international friendly matches in the United States.
What triggered the lawsuit?
Miami-based promoter Vid Music Group claims it signed a $7 million deal with the AFA to secure exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s October 2025 friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
According to the lawsuit, Messi was contractually obligated to play at least 30 minutes in each match, unless he was injured.
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The key issue: Messi’s absence
The controversy centers on the match against Venezuela held at the Hard Rock Stadium:
- Messi did not play and watched from a suite
- He was reportedly not injured at the time
- One day later, he played with Inter Miami CF and scored twice in an MLS match
Vid Music Group argues that Messi’s absence significantly impacted ticket sales and overall event revenue.
Additional complications
The second friendly against Puerto Rico also faced issues:
- Originally scheduled in Chicago, it was moved to Florida due to low ticket sales
- The new venue had a smaller capacity
- Organizers reportedly reduced ticket prices to boost attendance
These factors, combined with Messi’s limited participation, allegedly resulted in millions of dollars in losses.
What does the lawsuit seek?
While the exact compensation has not been disclosed, the promoter is pursuing claims that include:
- Breach of contract
- Fraud
- Financial damages
The lawsuit was filed in a Miami-Dade court.
“No official response yet”
So far, neither Messi nor the AFA have publicly responded to the allegations.
A case with broader implications
This legal dispute highlights the massive commercial value tied to global stars like Messi. For promoters, a player’s presence can define the financial success of an event.
If the case moves forward, it could set an important precedent for how contracts involving elite athletes are enforced in international exhibition matches.
Note by AVG