Lionel Messi Faces Legal Action in Florida Over Skipped Argentina Match
World Cup winner and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly being sued by a promoter in Florida over allegations of fraud and breach of contract. The lawsuit stems from Messi's decision to skip an international friendly for Argentina, which the promoter claims cost them millions of dollars.
Details of the Alleged Breach
According to reports from US outlet TMZ, the promotion company VID, based in Miami, has filed a lawsuit against Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The company alleges that Messi was contracted to play for at least 30 minutes in two exhibition matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico as part of a $7 million deal, unless he was injured. However, Messi did not participate in the friendly against Venezuela at the Hard Rock Stadium last year, watching from the stands with his family instead.
VID claims they even paid for the suite where Messi and his family spent the evening. The next day, Messi appeared for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a victory over Atalanta United, which has fueled the promoter's allegations of breach.
Background and Additional Claims
Messi did play in the friendly against Puerto Rico, contributing two goals, but that match was moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale due to low ticket sales, according to officials. Argentine officials contradicted this, citing Chicago's strict immigration crackdown as the reason for the venue change. In response, VID asserts that the AFA agreed to arrange a friendly match with China in 2026 to rectify the situation, but this did not materialise.
The promotion company is seeking to recoup the money they claim to have lost as a result of these events. This case echoes a similar legal dispute involving Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Vancouver Whitecaps, who settled a class-action lawsuit for $329,000 after being accused of misleading promotional material regarding Messi's appearance in a 2024 match.
Impact on Messi's Legacy and Future
Despite this legal challenge, Messi's impact on football in the United States remains significant. Since joining Inter Miami, he has helped grow the sport's popularity, inspired the franchise to an MLS title, an MLS Leagues Cup, and an MLS Supporters' Shield triumph, while being named the division's MVP two years in a row. However, this lawsuit highlights the commercial pressures and expectations that come with his global stardom.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how sports contracts are enforced in the US, particularly involving high-profile international players. As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how it affects Messi's reputation and future engagements.
