Whitecaps reach proposed settlement with fans after Messi misses Vancouver match

A proposed settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit filed by fans following the absence of soccer star Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami players from a highly anticipated Vancouver Whitecaps match last year.

Court documents show the agreement between the Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and ticket-holding fans includes changes to the club’s ticketing policies and a $475,000 donation to charity. Lawyers representing the fans say the settlement still requires court approval at a future hearing, while both the Whitecaps and MLS deny any wrongdoing or legal responsibility.

The lawsuit stemmed from the May 25, 2024 match at B.C. Place, which drew more than 51,000 spectators. Inter Miami won the game 2–1, but Messi, along with teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, did not play, prompting audible chants of “Where is Messi” from the crowd.

According to the claim, fans argued the match was promoted in a way that highlighted the star players, without adequate clarity that their participation was uncertain. The settlement outlines updated ticket terms stating that player appearances are not guaranteed, along with a pop-up notice to that effect during the ticket purchase process on Ticketmaster.

Under the proposed agreement, eligible class members have until Jan. 28, 2026, to opt out. The case has drawn attention to how professional sports teams market marquee matchups and the expectations created for fans purchasing premium-priced tickets.