Hong Kong government complains because Messi is not playing

Hong Kong The Hong Kong government has asked the organizers to explain why Lionel Messi did not play in Inter Miami's friendly match.

On February 4, Inter Miami easily defeated the Hong Kong Premier League All-Stars 4-1 in a friendly match in Hong Kong. However, superstar Messi did not play in the match due to injury, and striker Luis Suarez also warmed up but did not enter the field. Many home fans were angry, with some even tearing up a large picture of Messi outside the field.

Lionel Messi (second from left) at the awards ceremony after Inter Miami beat Hong Kong XI 4-1 in Hong Kong, February 4, 2024. Photo: Reuters — Lionel Messi (second from left) at the awards ceremony after Inter Miami beat Hong Kong XI 4-1 in Hong Kong, February 4, 2024. Photo: *Reuters*

Ticket prices for this match range from $113 to $624. When the news of Miami's pre-season tour in 2024 was announced, Hong Kong fans snapped up all their tickets in just half an hour. During Miami's practice the day before the match, 40,000 fans also flocked to the stadium, chanting "Messi" over and over again. Messi and co-president David Beckham also spent time interacting with local youth players.

"I started watching football because of Messi," said 16-year-old Hong Kong spectator Aasir Mubarak. "He has been my idol since day one. This will be the first day I see Messi play football in person, and I will never forget this memory."

However, Mubarak and tens of thousands of Hong Kong spectators did not get their wish. Before the match, coach Tata Martino said that he would try to give Messi and Suarez as many minutes as possible. After the match, he said that if these two players were on the field, their injuries could become more serious, so he could not take the risk. Martino also apologized to Hong Kong spectators for that.

At the end of the match, Hong Kong spectators booed and whistled in protest against Inter Miami. After the match, the Hong Kong government also issued a statement, saying that they were "extremely disappointed" by the match organizers. "The organizers owe football fans an explanation," the statement said.

Hong Kong will also cut off support for the organizers, after reviewing the terms. Previously, the Hong Kong government planned to spend 1.9 million USD to support the organizers of this match.

Messi had been showing signs of a groin injury since Miami were in Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Season Cup. However, he was still able to enter the field for the last 13 minutes of the 0-6 loss to Al Nassr.

After leaving Hong Kong, Miami will continue their tour in Japan, preparing to meet Vissel Kobe on February 7.

Xuan Binh

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