This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. The Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer (MLS) have been ordered to pay a compensation of 475,000 Canadian dollars (approximately 300,000 euros) after the Supreme Court of British Columbia approved a settlement stemming from a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed due to Lionel Messi's absence from a regular season game in 2024, despite the player being the central figure in the promotional campaign for the event. The case dates back to the spring of 2024, before the game between the Whitecaps and Inter Miami, scheduled for May 25. In what was Messi's first full season in the MLS, the image of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was widely used to maximize ticket sales. Like other teams in the league, the Whitecaps significantly raised ticket prices for Inter Miami's visit. Aiming to turn Inter Miami's visit into a highly profitable event, the home team organized street parties, advertised as the "biggest ever" for the club, and hoped to break the attendance record, surpassing the 32,465 spectators from the club's 50th anniversary game held earlier in May. However, just two days before the match, it was revealed that Messi, Suárez, and Busquets would not travel to Canada. In an unusual move in football, where information about player availability is typically protected, the home team issued a statement regarding the availability of the opposing players. Axel Schuster, the Whitecaps' executive director, stated on the club's official website: "Although we have not received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand that they will not be making this trip." To mitigate discontent, the Whitecaps offered a 50% discount on stadium food and a meal voucher for children under 18. Later, a free ticket for a future regular season MLS game was also offered to some ticket holders. Fan outrage led to the lawsuit. The main complainant, Ho Chun, a resident of British Columbia, purchased two tickets for a total of 350 euros, including fees. In the lawsuit, his lawyers argued that the promotional campaigns, advertised across various platforms, "represented, implied, or suggested" that Messi, Suárez, and Busquets would play. The case of Rachele Renzi illustrates the frustration felt by many. In statements to The Athletic, she revealed that she spent 290 euros on a ticket for her brother, Samuele, who traveled 8,923 kilometers from Italy to visit her in Vancouver and see the game. "My brother is a big Messi fan and is very sad," she said. "I paid a premium price based on the club's social media advertising, website, and media coverage. The reason the stadium sold out was because of Messi. I understand they can't guarantee who will play, but they can control whether or not they charge inflated prices for tickets. Just saying that people can have food vouchers at half price is not enough. I think they should offer a partial refund to those who paid so much." Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps reached a court settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit. Instead of directly compensating fans, the financial settlement stipulates that MLS and the Whitecaps donate a total of 300,000 Canadian euros to three sports-related charities – Kid Sport BC, Canada SCORES, and BGC South Coast BC – and change ticket sales policies.
The Vancouver Whitecaps Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
The Vancouver Whitecaps Lionel Messi remains central to this story.
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