Messi Hit with $7 Million Lawsuit After Skipping Contracted Argentina Friendlies

Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association are facing legal action in Florida after the superstar failed to take the field in two international friendlies where his participation was contractually guaranteed — a no-show that could cost them $7 million.

Miami-based sports and entertainment promoter VID filed the lawsuit this Tuesday, alleging fraud and breach of contract. The suit claims VID paid the AFA $7 million to secure exclusive rights for two October friendlies featuring Argentina against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, with a binding agreement that Messi would play a minimum of 30 minutes in each fixture unless injured.

Instead, Messi didn't play a single minute in either match.

The details behind the lawsuit

During the October 11 encounter at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Messi was in attendance — observing from a luxury suite — but opted to sit out the match to remain rested for Inter Miami's crucial MLS regular season closer the next evening. While this decision might make tactical sense from a club perspective, it left the promoter who shelled out $7 million for his on-field presence in a difficult position.

The Puerto Rico friendly brought additional complications. Initially slated for Chicago's Soldier Field, the match was ultimately moved to Inter Miami's previous home stadium in Fort Lauderdale. VID maintains this venue switch cost them more than $1 million in losses. The reasons for the relocation remain disputed — early reports suggested social unrest related to Trump's National Guard deployment to Chicago prompted the change, while Chicago Park District representative Luca Serra told the Associated Press that poor ticket sales led the promoter to make the switch themselves.

VID further alleges that the AFA promised to compensate them with a replacement fixture against China scheduled for 2026. That promised match never materialized.

A troubling trend emerges

This legal challenge isn't an isolated incident. Just last month, Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by supporters who claimed they purchased tickets for a May 2024 match under the impression that Messi and other Inter Miami stars would participate. They did not.

Two consecutive lawsuits centred on Messi's presence — or conspicuous absence — raises serious concerns about how promotional agreements are drafted and upheld. When a $7 million contract with specific playing-time guarantees still can't ensure Messi steps onto the pitch, it's clear the legal and commercial structures governing his appearances require significant reform. Bettors and fans monitoring Argentina's friendly calendar should be aware that Messi's involvement isn't assured, even when contractually stipulated.

Neither the Argentine Football Association nor Messi's legal team have issued public statements regarding the lawsuit.