Accused of fraud, Lionel Messi has been sued by a Miami-based event promoter for allegedly breaching the terms of a 7 million USD contract after missing an exhibition match last year.
The lawsuit was filed by Vid Music Group against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Messi for fraud and breach of contract, according to court records.
According to the lawsuit, the promoter group signed a deal with the AFA last year for exclusive rights to promote and organise Argentina's international friendlies, including last October's matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, in exchange for ticket, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue.
Messi wasn't on the pitch during Argentina's 1-0 win vs Venezuela on October 10, and he watched it from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium, the lawsuit stated.
The promoter company hasn't specified the damages they're seeking in the lawsuit. But they have said they lost millions because Messi didn't play in the game against Venezuela, and that low ticket sales are also to blame.
Messi has been the main draw for fans of the Argentine football team, but his participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain.
