New Delhi: According to reports, Lionel Messi’s no-show at a pre-match meet-and-greet event in Lima has led to an official investigation by Indecopi, Peru’s National Consumer Protection Authority. The incident occurred ahead of Inter Miami’s friendly against Universitario de Deportes, leaving fans frustrated and demanding answers.
Supporters had purchased premium tickets costing over 3,000 soles (approx. ₹69,675) expecting to meet Messi. However, he skipped the event without prior notice. Despite this, Messi started for Inter Miami, playing 72 minutes in a goalless draw before his team won on penalties.
Consumer rights investigation underway against Lionel Messi
Hundreds of excited fans welcome Messi to Peru for friendly match 👋🐐 pic.twitter.com/RNKRPGM3qn
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) January 30, 2025
Indecopi has launched an inquiry to determine if event organizers misled fans or violated consumer rights. In an official statement, the agency confirmed it is reviewing whether advertising materials falsely promoted Messi’s presence at the meet-and-greet. The organizing company has yet to respond.
Ticketmaster’s description of the event stated that “some Inter Miami players” would attend, without specifying Messi. However, many fans assumed he would be there, given his global stature. The excitement in Lima was immense, with local headlines referring to Messi’s visit as “Dios está en Perú” (“God is in Peru”). His jerseys sold out, and thousands gathered to welcome him.
This is not the first controversy involving Messi and fan events. Last year, during Inter Miami’s Hong Kong friendly, he did not play a single minute despite heavy promotion, leading to demands for refunds and loud jeers from disappointed fans.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami ends this year, with an option for a 12-month extension. Club co-owner Jorge Mas recently stated, “Leo and I will sit down to discuss the future,” adding that he expects Messi to stay when Miami’s new stadium opens in 2026.
Lionel Messi is under investigation by Peruvian authorities after skipping a paid meet-and-greet event in Lima, leaving fans disappointed and prompting a consumer rights inquiry into possible false advertising. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
