Miami Promoter VID Files Lawsuit Against Messi and Argentine Football Association Over Friendly Match Obligations

# Lawsuit Filed Over Friendly Matches VID, a company based in Miami that promotes large-scale sporting and music events, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association. The lawsuit was filed in Florida and claims fraud and breach of contract.

VID acquired exclusive rights to two friendly matches scheduled for October involving Argentina against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Lionel Messi was contractually obligated to play for at least 30 minutes in each of the two friendly matches unless injured. VID paid the Argentine Football Association $7 million as part of the deal. The lawsuit stems from Messi's absence from one match and changes to the event schedule.

Messi Absent from Venezuela Match Lionel Messi did not play in the friendly match against Venezuela on October 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Messi attended and watched the October 11 match against Venezuela from a suite. His non-participation violated the contractual obligation to play for at least 30 minutes unless injured. The friendly match against Puerto Rico was moved from Soldier Field in Chicago to Fort Lauderdale.

The move of the Puerto Rico match resulted in a loss of more than $1 million. Chicago Park District spokesman Luca Serra stated that the venue change for the Puerto Rico match was due to low ticket sales and was made by the promoter.

Promised Compensation Fails to Materialize The Argentine Football Association told VID it would make things right with a future game against China in 2026.

The promised game against China in 2026 did not occur. This failure contributed to the fraud and breach of contract claims in the lawsuit. New York Post reported the details of the lawsuit, including the $7 million payment and the specific contractual terms for Messi's participation.

The suit highlights the financial impact from the venue change and Messi's absence as central to the dispute.

Related Legal Precedent in Soccer Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps settled a class action lawsuit last month.

The class action lawsuit was filed after fans alleged reliance on misleading promotional material that Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami stars would play in a match on May 25, 2024. This settlement occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of Messi's participation in events.

Recent Messi Performance Lionel Messi scored Argentina's second goal during the international friendly match against Zambia on March 31, 2026, at Estadio Alberto J.

Armando in Buenos Aires. Messi controlled the ball during the international friendly match against Zambia on March 31, 2026, at Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Buenos Aires. These actions demonstrate Messi's active involvement in recent national team matches.