Lionel Messi Faces Fraud Lawsuit Over Missed Friendly Match

Lionel Messi faces a fraud lawsuit in Florida as promoter VID alleges losses after he missed a contracted Argentina friendly in 2025. The deal, worth 7m, required him to play 30 minutes, but he skipped one game and featured for Inter Miami the next day. The company claims losses exceeding 1m. They cite venue changes and unfulfilled match promises as damages.

When Lionel Messi's controversy surfaced, reports claimed the Argentine star is facing a fraud lawsuit from a Miami-based promoter over an alleged contract breach. The company, identified as VID, has filed a case against Messi and the Argentine Football Association, seeking compensation for financial losses. The dispute relates to a £5.1 million deal for two exhibition matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October last year.

As per the agreement, Messi was expected to play at least 30 minutes in both games unless injured. However, he did not feature in the Venezuela match at Hard Rock Stadium, but played the next day for Inter Miami, scoring twice. VID claims this absence caused losses exceeding £737000, along with reduced ticket sales after the venue shifted from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale.

Although Messi later played against Puerto Rico and recorded 2 assists in a 6-0 win, the promoter insists damages remain significant. The case adds to previous legal issues involving Major League Soccer, where a separate lawsuit related to promotional expectations resulted in £242000 in damages being paid earlier this year.