Barcelona star Lionel Messi has sparked fury among sponsors by cancelling a charity match in the United States a day before the event.

The Argentina international was expected to feature in a 'Messi and Friends vs. The Rest of the World' clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum this week, but a press release stated that the prolific forward has refused to take part.

"After hours of trying to convince Lionel Messi's management team to fulfil their contractual agreement and come to Los Angeles, it is clear they have no respect for these fans and this market," Yahoo! Sport quotes chief executive of El Padrino Todd Graham as saying.

A number of Messi's club teammates, including Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique, were also expected to feature.

Written by
Danielle Joynson