A lawsuit has been filed against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) due to his non-participation in a friendly match in Miami last year. VID Music Group, the event organizer, claims Messi, the AFA, and a third-party agent conspired to mislead them into contractual agreements. The suit includes accusations of negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract against the AFA. Messi's absence on October 10, 2025, for the match against Venezuela, despite being scheduled to play, resulted in significant financial losses for VID, which organized the event.

By the Numbers
  • Approximately 15,000 attendees, or 23% of Hard Rock Stadium’s capacity, were present at the Venezuela match.
  • VID claims to have lost over $1.3 million due to the event’s complications and Messi’s non-appearance.
Yes, But

While the lawsuit highlights potential wrongdoing, it is essential to recognize that Messi’s absence was communicated to VID only a day before the match. Additionally, Messi participated in the following game for Argentina against Puerto Rico, indicating possible logistical issues rather than deliberate intent.

State of Play
  • The lawsuit is currently in a South Florida court, with ongoing discussions among involved parties.
  • Messi's status with Inter Miami continues to thrive, as he recently scored and assisted in competitive matches after the event in question.
What's Next

The legal proceedings may unfold with potential settlement discussions or a court ruling, which could impact Messi's reputation and contractual obligations going forward. The case could set a precedent for how athlete participation in events is managed contractually.

Bottom Line

This situation underscores the complexities of athlete appearances in contractual agreements, particularly when international events and commercial interests collide. The outcome of this lawsuit can influence future negotiations between athletes and event organizers.