Lionel Messi, Argentina Football Federation
April 2026

A Miami-based events company has filed suit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine federation over a missed friendly appearance against Venezuela. The company claims Messi was contractually expected to play at least 30 minutes unless injured. Messi sat out the Venezuela exhibition but played for Inter Miami the next day, then later featured for Argentina against Puerto Rico. The lawsuit centres on whether the appearance obligation in the event agreement was breached.