Lionel Messi is facing legal action in the United States after a Miami-based event promoter accused the football star of breaching contractual obligations by failing to play in a high-profile international friendly.
According to court filings, VID Music Group lodged a lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on March 31, alleging fraud and breach of contract against Messi, the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and sports executive Julian Marcos Kapelan.
The promoter claims it secured exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, covering ticketing, broadcast, and sponsorship revenue. Central to the agreement was a clause requiring Messi to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless sidelined by injury.
However, Messi did not feature in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela on October 10, instead watching from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. The lawsuit argues that his absence significantly diminished the commercial value of the event, describing his participation as the “primary economic driver.”
VID further alleges that Messi, the AFA, and Kapelan engaged in conduct that induced the company into signing the agreement under false pretenses, including claims of negligent misrepresentation and conspiracy.
Despite missing the Venezuela fixture, Messi played the following day for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a Major League Soccer match, before later featuring for Argentina in a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico, where he provided two assists.
The lawsuit also raises issues over additional matches tied to the agreement, including proposed fixtures in the United States in 2026, as the promoter seeks damages for alleged financial losses running into millions.
Neither Messi nor the AFA has publicly responded to the claims as legal proceedings continue.
