Court to review proposed settlement in class-action lawsuit filed by Whitecaps fans regarding Messi’s absence

The class-action lawsuit filed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC fans over the absence of soccer star Lionel Messi and Inter Miami players during a match nearly two years ago at BC Place Stadium is inching closer to a settlement. The prospective settlement could be finalized by the B.C. Supreme Court on Friday.

The legal action triggered by the May 25, 2024 match that attracted over 51,000 spectators revealed a discrepancy between the hefty prices that reached over $600 for tickets and the advertised participation of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets. Following this match, over 3,000 fans petitioned for refunds as the initially promoted event turned ambivalent when the star players failed to show up.

The lawsuit described the match as a “bait-and-switch,” claiming that promotional materials featuring renowned players misled fans into spending more than the actual worth of tickets. Allegations suggested that the primary ticket market inflated prices with the prospect of seeing these soccer legends play for the Vancouver team.

The proposed settlement, first introduced in December 2025, between fans, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Major League Soccer (MLS), outlines potential adjustments to the Whitescaps’ ticketing strategies and a charitable contribution of $475,000 by the parties involved in the case. These parties’ specifics were not explicitly mentioned during the announcement of the settlement.

The legal agreement will undergo scrutiny in Vancouver around 10 a.m., giving the court an opportunity to appraise its viability and potential to address the plight of fans who felt mislead by what was advertised. Throughout this legal process, the importance of transparency between fans and organizers and the need for accountability regarding promotional claims have surfaced as pivotal components to restore trust within the sports entertainment landscape.