Lionel Messi sued for fraud as Miami promoter alleges USD 7 million contract breach

Lionel Messi has been accused of fraud in a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last month.

Published on: Apr 16, 2026, 15:45:00 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

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. The lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last month.

A lawsuit has been filed against Lionel Messi due to an alleged contract breach. (Getty Images via AFP)

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. According to Vid, Messi was supposed to play at least 30 minutes in each game, unless he was injured.

Also Read: Lionel Messi combines emotion with impact in potential final home game, scores and gifts penalty to Otamendi in big win

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. Meanwhile, the next day, he was in action during Inter Miami's 4-0 MLS win over Atlanta and also scored two goals.

On October 14, he played in Argentina's 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico. The match was initially scheduled to be played in Chicago, but low ticket sales and arrests by Immigration and Enforcement agents led to it being shifted to Florida. The smaller venue in Florida didn't sell out, although the ticket prices were reduced to 25 USD each.

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. The Argentine team does have other superstars like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez, but none of them is at the same level as their national captain, who is considered by many to be the greatest ever player in football history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, and Argentina are also the defending champion. Messi hasn't confirmed his participation yet, but he has been with the national team during their training camps and international friendlies. Meanwhile, even head coach Lionel Scaloni has not provided an update on Messi's availability for the upcoming tournament.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.