The Hong Kong government complained because Messi didn't play.

Hong Kong: The Hong Kong government has demanded an explanation from the organizers as to why Lionel Messi did not play in Inter Miami's friendly match.

On February 4th, 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 due to injury, and striker Luis Suarez also warmed up but did not take to the field. Many home fans were angry, with some even tearing up a large picture of Messi outside the stadium.

Lionel Messi (second from left) at an awards ceremony after Inter Miami's 4-1 victory over Hong Kong XI in Hong Kong on February 4, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Tickets for this match ranged from $113 (2.7 million VND) to $624 (15.2 million VND). When news broke that Miami was coming for a pre-season friendly match in Hong Kong, tickets sold out in just half an hour. During Miami's training session the day before the match, 40,000 spectators also flocked to the stadium, chanting "Messi." Messi and co-chairman David Beckham also took time to interact with local young players.

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

However, Mubarak and tens of thousands of Hong Kong fans were not granted their wish. Before the match, coach Tata Martino had 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 came on, the injuries could become more serious, so he couldn't take the risk. Martino also apologized to the Hong Kong fans for that.

Towards the end of the match, Hong Kong spectators booed and whistled in protest against Inter Miami. Following the game, the Hong Kong government also issued a statement saying they were "extremely disappointed" with the match organizers. "The organizers owe football fans an explanation," the statement read.

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

Messi had shown signs of a groin injury while Miami was in Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Season Cup. However, he was still able to come on for the last 13 minutes in the 0-6 defeat against Al Nassr.

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

Xuan Binh

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