Chalien Dantes / Contributor

The Argentine Football Association is standing firm after a multimillion-dollar lawsuit was filed against them and Lionel Messi, insisting they met all their obligations and are ready to fight the case in court.

The claim, brought on  by Florida-based promoter VID Music Group, centres on two exhibition matches in October 2025. The company says it paid more than US$7 million for the events and expected Messi to feature, arguing his absence from one match led to heavy financial losses. 

According to the lawsuit, Messi was expected to play at least part of the game against Venezuela but instead watched from a suite, while appearing for his club Inter Miami the following day. The second match also struggled after being moved from Chicago to Florida, further impacting turnout and revenue. 

The AFA, however, rejects the claims, stating it delivered the national team as agreed and has documentation to support its position. Officials say they are prepared to present contracts, payment records and communications to defend themselves, while also pursuing money they claim is still owed to them. With both sides digging in, the dispute is now heading toward a legal battle that could determine who bears responsibility for the costly fallout from the matches.