Judge Dismisses $7 Million Lawsuit Against Lionel Messi Over Friendly Matches

A Miami-Dade County judge, Lisa Walsh, dismissed a $7 million lawsuit filed in the United States by promoter Vid Music Global (VMG) against Argentine football star Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association. The suit alleged that Messi breached a contract for two October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico by failing to play the required minimum of 30 minutes in each match.

Messi missed minutes in the Venezuela game citing physical discomfort, though he appeared for an MLS match with Inter Miami the following day. VMG also claimed $1.3 million in losses after the Puerto Rico friendly was moved from Chicago to Miami due to migrant protests. The judge ruled that training and attending meetings do not guarantee a player will take the field, granting Messi’s motion to dismiss.