Lionel Messi is at the centre of legal action in the United States after a Miami-based event promoter accused the football superstar of breaching a $7 million contract linked to Argentina’s international friendlies last year.
Vid Music Group has filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade Circuit Court against Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), alleging fraud and breach of contract related to promotional rights for two exhibition matches in October 2025 against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, the promoter claims it secured exclusive rights to organise and market the fixtures under the agreement that Messi would feature for at least 30 minutes in each match, unless injury prevented him from playing.
The lawsuit alleges that Messi did not take part in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Venezuela on 10 October 2025, instead watching the match from a private suite at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. However, he later played in subsequent fixtures, including a domestic MLS match for Inter Miami and Argentina’s match against Puerto Rico days later.
Vid Music Group claims the absence had a significant financial impact, contributing to lower-than-expected ticket sales and millions in projected losses. The promoter is seeking damages, though the exact amount has not been specified.
Messi and the AFA have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
The case highlights the growing commercial stakes surrounding international football friendlies, where star player appearances are often central to ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast revenue.
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