Messi and Argentina Face Fraud Lawsuit Over Alleged Friendly Match Breach

A major legal dispute has emerged ahead of the World Cup buildup as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team face a fraud lawsuit over an alleged failure to fulfill contractual obligations during a friendly match in the United States.

According to U.S. media outlet TMZ, Florida-based event company VID has filed the lawsuit against Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), claiming they violated terms of a promotional agreement related to a friendly fixture involving Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The lawsuit alleges that under the agreement, Messi was expected to play at least 30 minutes in the match. However, he reportedly did not take part in the game and instead remained in the stands throughout the event.

Organizers claim that Messi’s absence significantly impacted the event’s commercial performance, forcing a change of venue and leading to reduced ticket demand. They estimate financial losses of around 1 million dollars as a result.

The filing also raises questions about Messi’s fitness and availability, noting that while he did not feature in the Venezuela match, he played the very next day for Inter Miami against Atlanta United.

The controversy adds another legal dimension to Messi’s busy schedule, even as he continues to deliver strong performances for Inter Miami, scoring 83 goals in 96 matches and leading the club to multiple titles.

The case is now expected to proceed in the U.S. legal system, while it remains unclear whether it will have any impact on Argentina’s preparations for upcoming international competitions.