Javier ‘Voltaje’ Fernández, a Cuban-born music producer and former rapper, has gained public attention for filing a legal claim against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its president, Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. The dispute centers on the absence of Lionel Messi from a friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela on October 10, 2023, which Fernández says violated contractual assurances related to his purchase of a hospitality box for the game.
According to Fernández’s statements to Clarín, he paid $7,500 for a stadium box at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to attend the match with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. He claims the purchase was made under the assumption that Messi would play, based on what he described as “induced promises” meant to secure his commitment. Twenty-four hours after the Argentina-Venezuela match, Messi played for Inter Miami in a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, scoring two goals.
Fernández’s legal team argues that Messi’s participation in a promotional video alongside Rodrigo De Paul establishes shared liability under U.S. Law, making the footballer jointly responsible for the alleged breach. The claim has not been adjudicated, and no court rulings or official statements from Messi, Inter Miami, or CONMEBOL have been publicly released regarding the matter.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Fernández began his musical career in adolescence as a member of the group Montes de Espuma. In 2000, he founded the hip-hop collective Clan 537, which became notable for being one of the first Cuban rap groups to gain international recognition. Their music often addressed social issues and criticized the Cuban government, leading to censorship on local radio and television. Fernández later transitioned into music production and graphic design, earning a degree in the field before establishing himself as a producer in the urban music scene.
His artistic name, “Voltaje,” reflects his energetic approach to music and performance. While he has maintained a lower public profile in recent years, his legal action against the AFA has brought renewed attention to his background and activities. There are no verified public records indicating prior legal involvement in sports or entertainment contracts beyond this case.
The claim remains under consideration, with no scheduled hearings or filings publicly confirmed as of April 2026. Readers seeking updates are advised to consult official court records from the jurisdiction where the case was filed or monitored statements from the AFA’s legal representatives.
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