Global football icon Lionel Messi has been hit with a high-stakes lawsuit in the United States after allegedly breaching a contract tied to an international exhibition match in Miami.
Court documents filed on March 31 at Miami-Dade Circuit Court show that Miami-based promoter VID Music Group is suing Messi, the Argentine Football Association, and sports executive Julian Marcos Kapelan over claims of fraud and breach of contract.
At the heart of the case is Messi’s absence from Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela on October 10, 2025. According to the promoter, Messi was contractually required to play at least 30 minutes in each scheduled match unless injured.
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However, despite being present at the stadium, Messi did not feature in the game, which Argentina won 1-0.
VID Music Group argues that Messi’s participation was the “primary economic driver” of the event, with revenues heavily dependent on ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast rights.
Beyond breach of contract, the lawsuit also alleges that Messi, the AFA, and Kapelan engaged in conduct intended to mislead the promoter into signing the agreement under false pretences.
The promoter insists it secured exclusive rights to organise Argentina’s October 2025 friendlies, including matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, under the expectation that Messi would play a central role.
The case has been further complicated by Messi’s quick return to action. Just days after missing the Venezuela clash, the 38-year-old starred for Inter Miami, scoring twice in a dominant 4-0 win over Atlanta United.
He also featured in Argentina’s subsequent 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico on October 14, providing two assists in a match also promoted by VID.
The promoter claims these appearances undermine any suggestion that Messi was unavailable due to injury — a key clause in the contract.
Reports indicate the lawsuit could be worth up to $7 million, with VID alleging significant financial losses linked to Messi’s absence and logistical changes, including a venue switch for the Puerto Rico fixture.
The case adds an unexpected off-field controversy to Messi’s career, raising broader questions about contractual obligations in exhibition matches and the commercial weight of superstar athletes.
Neither Messi nor the AFA has publicly detailed their defence, but the federation is reportedly preparing to contest the claims as legal proceedings move forward.