Lionel Messi Sued Over Missed Exhibition Match, Contract Breach Alleged Lionel Messi is facing a lawsuit from a Miami-based event promoter, Vid Music Group, which alleges the soccer icon and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) violated a $7 million contract by failing to fulfill obligations tied to an exhibition match last year. The legal action, filed in Miami-Dade circuit court, centers on claims of fraud and breach of contract, though details of the damages sought remain unspecified. Messi and the AFA have not yet responded to inquiries about the case. The lawsuit highlights a contractual agreement between Vid and the AFA, signed in the summer of 2023, which granted Vid exclusive rights to organize and promote Argentina’s friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in October 2023. In exchange, Vid was to receive revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships. According to the filing, the deal required Messi to participate in at least 30 minutes of play in each match unless he was injured. The first match, against Venezuela on October 10, was held at South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, where Messi reportedly watched the 1-0 victory from a suite. The following day, Messi played a key role in Inter Miami’s 4-0 MLS win over Atlanta, a game critical for securing the club’s home-field advantage in the playoffs. On October 14, Argentina faced Puerto Rico in a match originally scheduled for Chicago. However, the event was relocated to Florida due to low ticket sales, a decision attributed to the city’s immigration enforcement activities. The lawsuit claims that the relocation to Fort Lauderdale, where the game was held, led to poor ticket sales despite reduced prices to $25 per ticket.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #hard_rock_stadium #argentine_football_association #vid_music_group
Miami QF Preview: Can #NextGenATP Martin Landaluce Extend Dream Run Against Jiri Lehecka Martin Landaluce and Jiri Lehecka will face off in the first quarter-final of the Miami Open presented by Itau on Wednesday. The match, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT, marks the first meeting between the two players. Landaluce, a 20-year-old Spaniard ranked 151st in the PIF ATP Rankings, is the lowest-ranked Miami quarter-finalist since 1994. His run to the tournament’s fourth round has been fueled by resilience, including a dramatic save of a match point against Sebastian Korda in his previous match. Landaluce’s journey to the quarter-finals is notable. Entering the event without a tour-level win in 2026, he has secured six consecutive victories, including qualifying matches. His breakthrough week includes wins over Top 20 opponents Luciano Darderi and Karen Khachanov, doubling his previous tally of two tour-level wins. Now ranked 103rd in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, a semi-final victory could propel him as high as No. 69. Lehecka, the 21st seed, presents a formidable challenge. The Czech has reached his third Masters 1000 quarter-final after defeating World No. 7 Taylor Fritz in a surprising upset. A win would elevate his career-high ranking to No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. Lehecka’s aggressive playing style and recent form make him a dangerous opponent for Landaluce, who will need to maintain his composure and capitalize on his trademark resilience. The match is expected to be a high-octane clash at Hard Rock Stadium, with both players aiming to dictate play. Landaluce, a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, has already made a name for himself with his breakthrough performance.#miami_open_presented_by_itau #hard_rock_stadium #jiri_lehecka #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy
Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend Ayan Broomfield shared her thoughts after his victory over Arthur Cazaux at the Miami Open, highlighting a memorable moment from the match. Tiafoe secured a 7-6(1), 6-1 win at the Butch Buchholz court inside Hard Rock Stadium, maintaining composure during the first-set tiebreak and taking control in the second set. While the match appeared straightforward, the atmosphere in the stadium revealed a divided crowd, with some fans clearly supporting Cazaux and hoping for a longer contest. This dynamic caught Broomfield’s attention, prompting her to post a reel on Instagram with the caption, “When I’m at my boyfriend’s tennis match and people start cheering for the other guy.” The incident underscored the passionate yet sometimes contentious nature of sports events, where fan support can create an unpredictable environment. Broomfield’s reaction reflects the personal stakes involved for athletes and their loved ones, as public sentiment can influence the emotional weight of a competition. Her post also serves as a reminder of the broader cultural context in which such matches unfold, blending individual achievement with communal engagement. As Tiafoe looks ahead to his next challenge against Jakub Mensik, the focus remains on his performance, though the crowd’s mixed reactions may linger as a topic of discussion among fans and participants alike.#miami_open #frances_tiafoe #hard_rock_stadium #ayans_broomfield #butch_buchholz
Tennis Best Bets Today: Miami Open picks and predictions for Monday, March 23 The 2026 Miami Open is in full swing at Hard Rock Stadium, and Monday, March 23 brings another loaded slate of ATP and WTA action from South Florida. We’ve broken down the day’s best tennis betting picks for Miami, digging into matchup tactics, court conditions, and current form to find the sharpest edges on the board. Whether you’re betting the moneyline, game spread, set spread, or total, our 2026 Miami Open best bets are built to help you profit. I’m dropping some of my favorite plays below, but make sure you also monitor the picks page throughout the day. I generally have a few more picks over there, plus I occasionally add plays based on how lines are moving. That’s also where Gill Alexander posts his best bets. RELATED: Check out our Pro Picks page for picks from all of our talented VSiN hosts, analysts and guests! Frances Tiafoe vs. Jakub Mensik Tiafoe tends to play his best tennis in American hard-court events, but that usually comes in the run up to the US Open. He actually hasn’t been beyond the quarterfinals in South Beach, and he has been bounced before that stage in five straight Miami Opens. Meanwhile, Mensik is the defending champion here, having made a dream run in 2025 — and one that ended with a win over No. 1 seed Iga Świątek in the final. Mensik has shown strong form on hard courts, and his ability to handle pressure could be key in this match. Tiafoe, on the other hand, has struggled with consistency on the surface, and his recent performances suggest he may not be at his peak. The match is expected to be a tough test for both players, with the outcome likely hinging on who can maintain their focus and composure under pressure.#miami_open #south_florida #frances_tiafoe #hard_rock_stadium #jakub_mensik
Adjusting to surprisingly slow Miami conditions, Daniil Medvedev solved Rei Sakamoto The former No. 1 had a rough landing to the Hard Rock Stadium after suffering a delay on his luggage but made up for lost time on Saturday with a solid comeback over the Japanese teenager. Published Mar 21, 2026#tennis #miami #daniil_medvedev #hard_rock_stadium #rei_sakamoto
Coco Gauff avenges Doha loss to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Miami Coco Gauff overcame a slow start and a previous defeat to Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Doha, securing a hard-fought victory in the first round of the Miami Open. The No. 4 seed rallied from a set down to defeat the Italian, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, at Hard Rock Stadium. Gauff’s win marked her first victory against Cocciaretto since their match in Qatar, where she had fallen in straight sets. “I didn’t win the last time we played, so I just wanted to overcome that feeling,” Gauff said after the match. “It’s been a tough week, but it made me realize how much I love this sport and playing it. Even though it’s tough, I enjoy the ups and downs through the journey.” Gauff’s path to the Miami Open included a mid-match injury at the BNP Paribas Open, where she retired down a set and a break to Alexandra Eala. Despite lingering discomfort, she expressed optimism about her health ahead of the tournament. “I may feel it sometimes on court, but I definitely feel it less and less every day,” she said during her Media Day press conference. Cocciaretto, a world No. 44, had previously reached the quarterfinals in Doha after defeating Gauff. The Italian started strongly in Miami, forcing Gauff to adjust to her aggressive style of play. However, Gauff gradually adapted, improving her consistency and first-serve percentage while winning 63% of points on her first serves. Despite struggling with her serve and forehand throughout the season—she ended the match with 11 double faults—Gauff steadied herself in the final set. Down a break early in the decider, she mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive games to clinch the victory in just over two hours.#alexandra_eala #miami_open #coco_gauff #hard_rock_stadium #elisabetta_cocciaretto
Coco Gauff adjusts to Cocciaretto’s tempo, closes it in three at the Miami Open Coco Gauff returned to competition after a shortened Indian Wells tournament, where she had to retire against Alexandra Eala due to an arm injury. Initially uncertain about her readiness for the Miami Open, Gauff expressed confidence in her ability to compete, noting that her symptoms had improved over time. Playing on home soil at the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz, she overcame a slow start to defeat Elisabetta Cocciaretto in three sets at Hard Rock Stadium. The match faced delays due to rain, marking the second disruption in three days, but Gauff managed to recover from a difficult opening set. Despite struggling to find rhythm against Cocciaretto’s early timing, she regrouped and secured a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Her performance included 11 double faults but showcased steadiness in key moments, with a 63% success rate on service points. While the match saw close margins in winners and unforced errors, Gauff’s ability to manage critical points proved decisive. Gauff’s win marked her 103rd career Tier I/WTA 1000 match victory before turning 23, tying her with Caroline Wozniacki for the second-most in this category among early-career performers. The achievement highlights her growing reputation as a top-tier player, with her resilience and adaptability evident in her recovery from injury and her tactical adjustments during the match. Reflecting on the victory, Gauff emphasized her determination to overcome past setbacks, including a previous loss to Cocciaretto. She described Cocciaretto’s early ball-striking as challenging to react to, but her ability to adjust to the opponent’s tempo allowed her to control longer rallies.#miami_open #coco_gauff #hard_rock_stadium #elisabetta_cocciaretto #wta_tour_driven_by_mercedes_benz
Elena Rybakina vs Yulia Putintseva Preview & Prediction | 2026 Miami Open | Second Round Elena Rybakina will open her 2026 Miami Open campaign against Yulia Putintseva in the second round. The match, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. local time, will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA, on an outdoor hard court. The event is part of the WTA 1000 tournament, offering significant ranking points for the players. Rybakina, the world No. 2, enters the tournament after a close loss in the Indian Wells final to Aryna Sabalenka. Despite falling short of claiming her second title at the event, Rybakina reached the final and came within a match point of victory. Her performance in the final, where she narrowly missed out on a comeback, highlights her resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. The fast surface in Miami is expected to favor her powerful serve, a key asset in her game. Putintseva, her opponent in the second round, has shown strong form with a comeback victory over Janice Tjen. The Russian player overcame a difficult start, winning the third set to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Putintseva’s ability to recover from a set down and her high first-serve percentage of 87% will be critical factors in the match. Rybakina’s history at the Miami Open includes a strong showing, and she will be looking to build on her previous performance. The tournament’s fast surface is likely to amplify her strengths, particularly her serve, which has been a consistent weapon throughout her career. Meanwhile, Putintseva’s determination and adaptability in tough matches could pose a challenge. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both players bringing their A-game.#miami_open #wta_1000 #elena_rybakina #hard_rock_stadium #yulia_putintseva
Indonesian Tennis Player Janice Tjen Falls to Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in Miami Open First Round Indonesian women's tennis player Janice Tjen suffered a swift defeat in the first round of the 2026 Miami Open, losing to Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva in a three-set match. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA, concluded with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 4-6 on Friday, March 20, 2026, local time. Tjen, who had started the match strongly, was unable to sustain her early lead and eventually succumbed to Putintseva's consistent performance. Tjen took an early advantage in the first set, leading 3-0 after Putintseva lost a service game and failed to capitalize on a break point in the next game. She maintained control until the fourth game, where she earned two break points but failed to convert them, allowing the score to tighten. Despite this, Tjen managed to hold her lead and secure the first set. The second set saw Putintseva regain momentum, taking the first two games after Tjen's opponent lost her serve. Putintseva then dominated the next five games, securing a comfortable lead and forcing the match into a third set. In the third set, Putintseva quickly took the first game, then extended her advantage by capturing the next three games. Tjen fought back, denying two break points in the fifth game to narrow the gap. However, Putintseva's strong serving kept her ahead, ultimately leading to Tjen's defeat. This marks Tjen's second consecutive first-round exit in a WTA 1000-level tournament. Prior to the Miami Open, she had also been ousted in the opening round of the Indian Wells event in California. The Miami Open is her fourth WTA 1000 tournament of the year, with her best performance at this level coming in the Dubai Championship last February, where she reached the third round.#miami_open #hard_rock_stadium #yulia_putintseva #janice_tjen #indonesian_tennis_player
2026 Miami Open presented by Itau: Blinkova vs. Mboko Prediction, Odds and Match Preview Anna Blinkova, ranked No. 92, will face Victoria Mboko, the No. 9 seed, in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open presented by Itau on Thursday. Mboko is heavily favored to advance, with betting odds of -1587, while Blinkova is listed at +750. The match is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, where the tournament has drawn significant attention for its high-profile matchups and competitive atmosphere. The odds for the encounter are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook, with the latest updates reflecting the current market conditions as of Wednesday at 6:36 PM ET. Fans and bettors can access a comprehensive list of sports betting odds through USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub for additional insights. The matchup is expected to be a test of form, as Mboko’s higher ranking and experience in Grand Slam tournaments may give her an edge over Blinkova’s underdog status. Blinkova’s chances of winning are estimated at 94.1% based on the implied probability derived from the moneyline odds, which highlights the significant disparity in favor of Mboko. However, Blinkova’s recent performances and ability to compete against higher-ranked players could introduce unpredictability. The match will likely hinge on Mboko’s consistency in high-pressure situations and Blinkova’s capacity to capitalize on her opponent’s potential mistakes. Both players bring distinct styles to the court. Mboko, known for her aggressive baseline play and strong serve, has demonstrated resilience in critical moments during her career. Blinkova, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance with her powerful groundstrokes and ability to dictate points.#betmgm_sportsbook #victoria_mboko #miami_open_presented_by_itau #anna_blinkova #hard_rock_stadium
