Conor Lynch

The worst case scenario happened. My family flew 2,490 miles to witness @TeamMessi make World Cup history in Dallas. But thanks to @viagogo we weren't in our seats to see it - we were outside ATT stadium roasting on the sidewalk in 100 degree heat. Entry denied. Messi scored his record breaking goal. My sons missed it. My oldest listened to a radio broadcast on my wife's phone - 150 meters from it happening live. My 5 year old was bawling his eyes out inconsolable because we couldn't explain why we weren't allowed in. Even now, the next day, I still dont have a good explanation for what happened from Viagogo. Here's what I do know: We bought our tickets on April 12th. We spent thousands on flights and hotels, anticipating the dream trip of my kids young lives. We had issues for months getting the tickets unlocked and had repeat interactions (15 calls total) with ViaGoGo customer support. Each time they assured us everything was fine. Each time they failed to solve the problem. We stayed up most of the night before the game, on Father's day weekend trying to solve it. My wife cried her eyes out - knowing how heartbroken our boys would be if we couldn't figure this out. We were told it would get solved - a lie. We were told there was a ViaGoGo rep at the stadium who could help us - a lie. At 9am - 3 hours before the game - someone at customer support said our issue would be escalated in 24 hours... "don't worry if it doesn't work you'll get a full refund." We explained how far we'd come, how much we'd spent to make this happen for the boys. They didnt care. Then while we were standing in the ticket resolution line at ATT - they refunded our tickets without our permission. I was literally begging their Twitter rep to help us as the minutes ticked down. But it was too late... When that nightmare outcome became real - my kids were shattered. Total waterworks. This was a dream for them. I cant tell you how big seeing Messi make history would have been for my oldest. His last three birthdays were Messi themed (my wife baked and designed Messi themed #10 cakes). Half his shirts are Messi jerseys. It meant the world to him. I've since read that ViaGogo has issues with fake / counterfeit tickets. Ive also read that the systems for this year's World Cup have been overwhelmed. I dont know WHY this happened to us. Viagogo won't say. Maybe they dont care. But what should have been a lifelong memory for my sons was ruined. Its a disappointment that cant be taken back. Can't be "fixed." And its not an acceptable outcome. Since my original post, Ive had a rep from Viagogo reach out about making this right. We will see how that goes, and I will update here when I know. For now I want to thank everyone who shared and replied to my post - the outpouring of love and concern for my family was heartwarming. It took an awful day and made it a bit better. That's what the World Cup is all about, isnt it? People from around the world uniting around their shared love of this sport. Thanks to you we still felt that yesterday. It means a lot. @TheAthleticFC @FOXSoccer @FIFAWorldCup @CBCMarketplace @Sportsnet @NBCDFW @ScottFriedmanTV @wfaa @FOX4 @SteveNoviello

@FernandoNunezM3 @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you Ill take a look

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo Reading this breaks my heart. So sorry for you and your kids. I know it's a stretch but have you checked the "resale pages" or fifa website itself? There are those "exclusive" packages available (very expensive but still)

My sons are @TeamMessi mega fans and they are 3 hours away from having their World Cup dream turn into a nightmare thanks to @viagogo. We've bought the tickets months ago. We spent $8,000 plus thousands more to get to Dallas. Now we're here. This was a 40th birthday gift, and a gift to both my boys who've never seen Messi play live. We've had technical problems for weeks now trying to get the tickets from the platform. Viagogo support kept assuring us the ticket issue would resolve itself closer to the day. Its in 3.5 hours and still no access to the tickets. Support told us to call back in 2 hours. They offered us a refund if it doesn't work. But that doesn't recoup the thousands we spent on flights and hotels. And it doesn't do anything for my two boys who will be absolutely shattered that they're not seeing the game... not seeing their Hero play in his likely final World Cup tournament. Ive had 3 hours of sleep. My wife has been crying all night. The kids are bearing up, honestly better than we are. But this isnt fair and it isnt right. And Viagogo has turned what should he a dream trip for our family into a nightmare. @fifaworldcup @afaseleccionEN

@DanEnerson81320 @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo That is so rough hope viagogo makes this right for your boys

@korbanpetakilan @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo This hurts to read. So sorry for what happened. Sending all my love and biggest hugs to your two boys.

@Invest_wPurpose @TeamMessi @viagogo Thanks Peter, I appreciate it.

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo That is terrible, after hearing this I will NEVER touch that platform and I am sure many will follow. Hope you can at least find some happiness in your travels

@trippihorse @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you i appreciate it

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo Oh no😭😭That's awful. I was really praying you would get in. So sorry😭🇦🇷🇦🇷

@TeamMessi @viagogo UPDATE 2: They refunded our tickets without our ppermission.

@viagogo Game starts in an hour so there's limited time to resolve this

@TheConorLynch Hello Conor, we’re sorry to hear about your experience. We would like to see how we can help. Please send us a DM with the order number, email address, and phone number linked to your viagogo account, and we’ll be happy to look into this further for you. twitter.com/messages/compo…

@stringerjoeyy @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo So sorry man

@traecii29 @TeamMessi @viagogo Can you DM me its not letting me for some reason.

@deojayson20 @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo eiiiiiii this is really painful i’m so sorry and pls send my hugs to your two boys 🫂🫂🫂

@elizamarrk @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo Sorry about this..

@nnl_numcha Doesn't look like it unfortunately

@TheConorLynch I hope you get better resolution from them soon

@shishir18_eth @TeamMessi @viagogo They've said a refund is our only option

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo That's incredibly frustrating; I hope it gets resolved quickly for you.

@Nightzstalker @TeamMessi @viagogo None. They've told us we are out of luck.

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo That sounds really stressful, especially after planning and spending so much. Are you getting any support from the ticket platform yet

@TeamMessi @viagogo UPDATE: They are now telling us that our only option is a refund. My kids are shattered.

@0z_Dustin136 @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo hope u get in

@genesdaniel @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo Guardá toda la información qie te enciaron,eso es evidencia por si no llegan a cumplir, (ya tendrías qie tener las entradas) un garronaso amigo. Esperemos imagenes tuyas dentro del estadio. Abrazo

@CertifiedMayB @TeamMessi @viagogo Thank you

@TheConorLynch @TeamMessi @viagogo Fifa should do something, they should give you the tickets