Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s Meet and Greet event in Peru led to fan disappointment and a formal investigation by Indecopi, Peru’s National Consumer Protection Authority, over potential advertising and consumer rights violations. Fans, who paid over 3,000 soles for the event, expected Messi but met only Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez instead. Despite the controversy, Messi played 72 minutes in Inter Miami’s preseason game against Universitario de Deportes, which Miami won 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw. His presence thrilled fans despite not scoring, as he received a warm welcome with sold-out merchandise and enthusiastic headlines like “God is here in Peru.”