Event promoter Vid Music Group has filed a lawsuit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the Miami-Dade circuit court. The lawsuit accuses the Argentine soccer star of fraud and breach of contract, claiming he violated the terms of a $7 million agreement by not participating in a scheduled friendly match in October 2025.
The legal action was initiated last month and became public this Wednesday, according to court records and a report from The Associated Press.
Disputed Contract Terms
According to the agreement, Vid secured exclusive rights from the AFA during the summer of 2025 to organize and promote two Argentine friendlies: one against Venezuela and another against Puerto Rico. The contract promised revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting, and sponsorships.
The terms explicitly stated that Messi was required to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless he was injured. However, on October 10, Messi, at 38, was seen in a suite watching Argentina's 1-0 victory over Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, without stepping onto the field.
Controversy Surrounding Messi's Absence
The most contentious aspect of the lawsuit revolves around the events of the following day. Messi played and scored twice in Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Atlanta in Major League Soccer, a match pivotal for securing home advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Vid argues that Messi's absence from the friendly was not due to injury but was a deliberate choice that favored Inter Miami, to the detriment of the event promoter.
Further Complications and Financial Impact
On October 14, just four days later, Messi did play for Argentina in a 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, contributing two assists. Originally scheduled in Chicago, the match was relocated due to low ticket sales and tensions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which led to over 1,000 arrests in the city.
The AFA attributed the poor turnout in Fort Lauderdale to these immigration raids, despite ticket prices being reduced to $25 each. The Venezuela match at Hard Rock Stadium, which holds 65,000 spectators, saw only 15,000 attendees.
Vid has not disclosed the exact amount of damages it seeks but claims to have lost millions due to Messi's absence in one game and low ticket sales in the other.
Neither Messi nor the AFA has responded to requests for comment from the aforementioned news agency.
Recurring Patterns of Dispute
This is not the first instance where Messi's absence from a match has sparked controversy. In 2023, his failure to play in a friendly in Hong Kong led to protests and refund demands from fans and local authorities, echoing the current lawsuit brought before a U.S. court.
Legal Implications and Fan Reactions
What are the main accusations in the lawsuit against Messi?
The lawsuit alleges fraud and breach of contract, claiming Messi violated the terms by not playing in a scheduled friendly match, despite contractual obligations.
How has Messi's absence affected Vid Music Group financially?
Vid Music Group claims to have lost millions due to Messi's absence in one match and poor ticket sales in another, though the exact amount of damages sought has not been disclosed.
Has this type of controversy happened with Messi before?
Yes, in 2023, Messi's absence from a friendly match in Hong Kong resulted in fan protests and demands for refunds, reflecting a similar pattern to the current lawsuit.