Three people have been charged in an investigation into ticket resales for Lionel Messi’s farewell match for Argentina. Police seized tickets, electronics and cash, while prosecutors said they had received more than 30 complaints alleging resale and fraud.
La Nación reported that one search took place at a home in Vicente López, where investigators found a laptop, a mobile phone, notes and nine tickets to Monumental Stadium. Seven were for the lower Belgrano stand and two for the upper Sívori stand. Police also seized 9.85 million pesos, $56,300 and a banknote-counting machine.
The operation was requested by prosecutor Maximiliano Vence. Investigators identified the female suspect through online monitoring. A judge authorised the search, after which she was charged.
Two other men were detained outside the stadium after the match. Prosecutors said they had advertised tickets and organised trips from Misiones province so fans could attend Messi’s farewell game. Their phones were seized for forensic examination.
The Buenos Aires city prosecutor’s office said it had received more than 30 complaints involving ticket resale and fraud. Investigators are collecting messages, screenshots, payment records and details about how tickets were purchased and delivered to look for links between cases and identify possible organisers.
Before Argentina played Benin, fans reported tickets being offered for up to 700,000 pesos for popular-stand seats that originally cost 90,000 pesos. Authorities have not announced the results of the investigation.