Lionel Messi. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi Sued For Fraud In Bombshell Lawsuit

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 2:44 PM ET

Inter Miami and Argentina national team superstar Lionel Messi was hit with a bombshell lawsuit in Florida. The star’s team isn’t going through its best moment right now.

After losing two high-profile teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, at the end of last season, they also lost Javier Mascherano, who left the team on Tuesday. The Argentine left the club for “personal reasons,” raising eyebrows around the MLS world.

Messi received more bad news in recent hours. A promoter accused him of fraud and sued him.

Lionel Messi Accused Of Fraud In Florida

Lionel Messi. Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

TMZ Sports reported on Wednesday that a promoter claimed the FC Barcelona idol “left them bleeding cash on a pair of hyped up friendlies that they claim he blew off.”

“VID, a Miami-based company that puts on large-scale music and sporting events, according to court docs obtained by TMZ Sports, filed a lawsuit against the 38-year-old footballer and the Argentine Football Association on Tuesday in South Florida, alleging fraud and breach of contract, saying they were burned out of millions of dollars.

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

After Messi failed to play at least 30 minutes in each game, unless injured, the promoter took the matter to court. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner decided not to play. Instead, he watched the game wth his family from a luxury suite.

Any claim of injury couldn’t hold. Messi played the very next day and scored two goals and an assist for Inter Miami.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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