What are the terms regarding Lionel Messi’s status for Tuesday’s friendly?
What does the memorandum between Auburn and Unified Events LLC say about Lionel Messi's participation on Tuesday?
Olivia Bennett 
Jordan-Hare Stadium is officially on the clock. With just over 24 hours remaining, the historic venue is set to host its very first international soccer match as Argentina prepares for a high-profile friendly against Iceland this Tuesday night.
This showdown serves as Argentina’s final tune-up before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. All eyes are on whether global icon Lionel Messi, who is currently gearing up for what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, will take the pitch on the Plains.
The Messi Mandate
Questions regarding the 38-year-old’s participation have been circulating, but a memorandum of understanding between Auburn and Unified Events LLC—obtained by 205focus.com—sheds light on the financial stakes involved. Should Messi fail to attend the event as part of the squad, Argentina faces a hefty $250,000 financial penalty.
Per the document, it falls to the event promoter to ensure Argentina adheres to these terms. In the event of a penalty, those funds, or a pro-rata portion linked to the match, are slated to be funneled into the gross event revenue. When it comes to the bottom line, net revenue—defined as gross earnings minus non-agreed-upon overhead—will be split 60/40, with Auburn claiming the 60 percent share.
Will He Play?
While the agreement mandates that Messi must be present at the event, it notably does not require him to step onto the field. Fans got a preview of this reality during Saturday’s friendly in College Station against Honduras, where Messi warmed up with the team but ultimately remained an unused substitute.
Messi has been working his way back from a hamstring injury sustained on May 25 while playing for Inter Miami. However, there is cause for optimism; Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni provided a positive update on Friday, as reported by ESPN.
“Leo is doing well,” Scaloni noted. “Leo trained for a part with the group, which is important. He’s not fully separated; he’s coming along. He may be part of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies. We’ll see if it’s the one tomorrow or the next one. But he’s doing a lot better and that gives us tranquility.”
