Content creator scammed out of $5,000 for World Cup tickets meant for her 89-year-old grandfather

Content creator Paola Hernández shared a distressing experience on social media after falling victim to ticket resale fraud for the 2026 World Cup. She had purchased two tickets for $5,000, approximately 86,000 pesos, from resale platforms Stubhub and Viagogo, intending to surprise her 89-year-old grandfather, José Méndez, with tickets to the Mexico vs. South Korea match at the Estadio Guadalajara.

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I was scammed, they didn't give me the money, they didn't give me tickets.

Méndez, who traveled from San Diego, California, to his hometown of Guadalajara for the event, was eager to fulfill his dream of attending a World Cup match with his granddaughter. The pair had prepared their outfits, but their excitement turned to disappointment upon arriving at the stadium. Hernández documented the situation in a video, denouncing Stubhub and Viagogo for failing to deliver the tickets and refusing a refund.

"It wasn't fair what they did to us, especially for my grandpa, who missed out on this experience," Hernández stated, expressing her frustration over the significant financial loss and the dashed hopes of her grandfather. "We spent a lot of money to fulfill my grandfather's dream, and we couldn't get in."

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It wasn't fair what they did to us, especially for my grandpa, who missed out on this experience. We spent a lot of money to fulfill my grandfather's dream, and we couldn't get in.

The story quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok, resonating with many users who offered their support to José and Paola. The Mexican national team even responded to the incident, sending a message of support to the grandfather. Additionally, local businesses in Guadalajara extended invitations to the pair, offering them hospitality in light of their unfortunate experience. Despite the setback, the outpouring of support highlighted the community's empathy towards their situation.

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We send you a hug, grandpa.