Lionel Messi, Argentina Soccer Sued Over No-Present At Exhibitions

Pink card for Lionel Messi … who’s on the middle of a bombshell lawsuit in Florida, with a promoter claiming the soccer legend left them bleeding money on a pair of overvalued friendlies that they declare he blew off.

VID, a Miami-based firm that places on large-scale music and sporting occasions, in keeping with courtroom docs obtained by TMZ Sports activities, filed a lawsuit towards the 38-year-old footballer and the Argentine Soccer Affiliation on Tuesday in South Florida, alleging fraud and breach of contract, saying they have been burned out of hundreds of thousands of {dollars}.

In August, VID says they struck a deal and in the end paid the AFA $7 million for the unique rights to 2 exhibition match-ups scheduled for October — Argentina vs. Venezuela, and Argentina vs. Puerto Rico.

They declare Messi was contractually obligated to play a minimum of half-hour in every sport except he was injured. In different phrases, Argentina was taking part in, however Messi was the draw.

Sadly, VID says Lionel bailed on his obligation, deciding to not play … and as an alternative watching the sport together with his household from a luxurious suite. Including insult to damage, the promoter says they footed the invoice for these prices.

VID says Messi wasn’t injured … they usually say they know that as a result of he performed the very subsequent day, lacing up his cleats and scoring two targets and an help for Inter Miami.

The second pleasant, only a few days later, was additionally a large number, in keeping with VID, who says they have been compelled to maneuver the sport from Chicago to a small area in Ft. Lauderdale over civil unrest within the Windy Metropolis, ensuing within the lack of over 1,000,000 bucks, in keeping with the go well with.

After the disastrous video games, VID says AFA promised to make issues proper with future matchups towards China in 2026, but it surely by no means got here to fruition.

Whereas it is unclear precisely how a lot money VID is looking for, they declare they’ve misplaced hundreds of thousands, they usually wish to be made complete, plus some.

We reached out to the AFA and Messi’s crew for remark.