A 3-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS STRUCK BY GUNFIRE AS POLICE BURST INTO A BARRICADED ROOM, ENDING A FRIGHTENING HOSTAGE SITUATION.(PHOTO).
A Miami-based event promoter has filed a lawsuit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine Football Association, alleging breach of a $7 million contract tied to a series of exhibition matches last year in which the soccer star did not fully meet agreed-upon playing requirements.
The company, Vid Music Group, claims it secured exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico and paid $7 million for Messi’s participation under the terms of the agreement. According to the lawsuit, Messi was expected to play at least 30 minutes in each match unless injured.
Messi did not take part in the first match against Venezuela, instead watching from a suite at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. He later appeared in Inter Miami’s MLS match the following day, scoring twice. He also played in Argentina’s subsequent 6–0 win over Puerto Rico, though organizers say they suffered financial losses linked to attendance and venue changes surrounding the events.
The promoter alleges that Messi’s absence from one of the matches, along with weaker-than-expected ticket sales and logistical adjustments, resulted in millions of dollars in losses. The lawsuit also points to the relocation of one fixture from Chicago to Florida and claims that promised compensatory arrangements were not fulfilled.
Vid Music Group is suing for fraud and breach of contract, though it has not specified an exact damages figure. Messi and the Argentine Football Association have not publicly responded to the allegations.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in high-profile exhibition matches, where organizers often rely heavily on the participation of star athletes to drive ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast revenue.
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