Lionel Messi 'being sued over fraud and breach of contract' after Argentina decision

World Cup winner and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly being sued by a promoter in Florida over alleged 'fraud and breach of contract'

A promoter in Florida is reportedly suing Lionel Messi for 'fraud and breach of contract' after he decided to skip one international fixture for Argentina. Messi has helped grow the popularity and status of football across the pond, ever since he decided to move to Inter Miami.

He has also inspired David Beckham's franchise to a MLS title, an MLS Leagues Cup and a MLS Supporters' Shield triumph, while also being named as the division's MVP two years in a row. However, not everybody in Florida is happy with the Barcelona icon and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

A promotion company in Miami has claimed Messi cost them millions through his decision to not play for Argentina in a friendly against Venezuela in Florida.

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According to US outlet TMZ, VID - a company based in Miami who promotes various sports and music events - has issued a lawsuit against Messi and the Argentinian Football Association (AFA). It claims Messi's decision to not participate against Venezuela in a friendly at the Hard Rock Stadium last year cost them millions of dollars.

The agency claims Messi was contracted to play for at least 30 minutes in both exhibition matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, unless he suffered an injury which ruled him out of the contests, as part of a $7m deal (£5.16m). However, the World Cup winning captain watched the clash against the former from the stands with his family.

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VID have even claimed they paid for the suite Messi and his family spent the evening in on the day. The next day, Messi appeared for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a victory over Atalanta United.

The forward did represent Argentina in the friendly against Puerto Rico, which saw him contribute two goals. However, the match was moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, with officials in Chicago claiming there were low ticket sales for the original venue.

Argentinian officials contradicted the version of events, stating the recent strict immigration crackdown within Chicago was responsible for the venue change. In response, VID claims the AFA agreed to rectify the situation by arranging a friendly match with China in 2026, which did not materialise.

It's also understood the promotion company wants to recoup the money they claim to have lost as a result of the situation, in their lawsuit. A similar legal case also took place involving the MLS and the Vancouver Whitecaps, who settled a class-action lawsuit.

Both the division and the Whitecaps were told they relied on 'misleading promotional material' and were accused of creating expectation Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez were going to appear in a clash against Inter Miami in 2024 while selling tickets.

None of the former Barcelona trio travelled and both the MLS and the Whitecaps were ordered to pay - collectively - $329,000 (£242,000) to settle the case, despite denying any liability.

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