Rabat– Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are facing a legal battle after Vid Music Group, a Miami-based promoter, filed a lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract regarding a $7 million deal, according to AP News.
Under the terms of a deal signed last summer, Vid secured the exclusive rights to manage ticket sales, broadcasting, and sponsorships for Argentina’s October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, requiring Messi to appear on the pitch for a minimum of 30 minutes per game.
Given his status as one of the best football players ever, Messi’s participation is the primary selling point for both Inter Miami and Argentina fixtures, justifying the high prices fans are willing to pay to see him play.
According to the lawsuit, the 38-year-old was absent from the lineup during Argentina’s 1-0 victory against Venezuela last October. He watched the game from a luxury suite at Hard Rock Stadium instead of playing.
The following day, Messi started for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in the MLS, leading his teammates and scoring a brace, in a game that saw Miami win 4-0.
Messi returned for Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico on October 14, recording two assists. Originally scheduled for Chicago, this Vid-promoted match was relocated to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
While the company hasn’t set a final number for the lawsuit, they argue that Messi’s absence in the first game combined with poor ticket sales in the second one led to millions in losses.
