Major League Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps will pay $347,000 to settle a class-action lawsuit after soccer superstar Lionel Messi failed to appear at a heavily promoted game in 2024. The settlement money will go to youth sports charities after fans sued over misleading advertising.
Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps have agreed to pay $347,000 to resolve a class-action lawsuit stemming from soccer icon Lionel Messi’s failure to show up for a highly anticipated match last year.
The British Columbia Supreme Court gave its approval to the settlement agreement this week, according to reports from The Athletic.
Vancouver’s team had aggressively marketed the soccer legend’s participation in their May 25, 2024 matchup, expecting to draw a record-setting attendance to BC Place stadium. The promotional campaign drove ticket prices to premium levels.
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or champion never made the trip to Vancouver, staying behind along with teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino explained his decision by saying he needed to “safeguard the health” of key players ahead of two upcoming home matches.
Vancouver officials tried to calm angry fans by cutting concession prices, giving meal vouchers to children under 18, and offering complimentary tickets to select future games for some ticketholders.
Ho Chun filed the legal complaint on June 4, 2024, after spending over $400 for two seats. His legal team contended that the team’s marketing campaign “represented, implied or suggested” that Messi and other star players would definitely participate in the game.
Both MLS and the Whitecaps rejected any responsibility and maintained the lawsuit lacked validity. Legal documents revealed the organizations chose to settle primarily to prevent mounting attorney fees. The agreement includes no acknowledgment of fault.
The total settlement of $475,000 in Canadian currency, after deducting legal expenses, will be distributed among three youth sports nonprofits: KidSport BC, Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast BC.