April 24, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Inter Miami SC forward Lionel Messi (10) waves during warm-up before halftime against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Image The Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer will pay $347,000 to settle a class action lawsuit filed in Canada after Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi did not play in 2024 as advertised.
British Columbia’s Supreme Court approved the settlement, The Athletic reported Tuesday.
The Whitecaps have heavily promoted the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s appearance ahead of the May 25, 2024 match, expecting a record crowd at Vancouver’s BC Place stadium. Ticket prices have soared.
Unfortunately, Messi, who played his first full season in MLS that year, was unable to attend the match along with Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. That’s because then-Miami coach Tata Martino said he wanted to “protect the health” of his team for two home games next week.
The Whitecaps attempted to lessen the backlash by reducing stadium food costs, providing meal vouchers to children under 18 and giving some ticket holders free tickets to future games.
A civil suit was filed on June 4, 2024, with Ho Chun as the plaintiff. According to The Athletic, Jeon purchased two tickets worth more than $400, and his lawyers argued that promotional efforts for the game “represented, implied or suggested” that Messi and others would be there.
MLS and the Whitecaps denied liability and argued the class action claims were without merit. Court documents say the co-defendants agreed to settle to avoid additional legal costs. A settlement agreement does not contain an admission of wrongdoing.
The settlement amount ($475,000 Canadian), excluding legal fees, will be donated to three sports-related charities: KidSport BC, Canada SCORES and BGC South Coast BC.
–Field level media
