Messi explains why he didn't play in the match against Hong Kong

The Argentine star sat on the bench in Inter Miami's 4-1 win over Hong Kong (China) on February 4.

Thousands of Hong Kong fans spent a lot of money on tickets (ranging from 113 USD, about 2.7 million VND) to 624 USD (15.2 million VND) to go to the stadium to watch the player who won the FIFA Golden Ball 8 times play, but then all experienced disappointment when Messi did not play a single minute.

Messi giải thích lý do không ra sân ở trận gặp Hong Kong - 1 — Messi just sat chewing gum on the bench during Inter Miami's friendly match with Hong Kong (Photo: Getty).

Messi giải thích lý do không ra sân ở trận gặp Hong Kong - 2 — Many disappointed Hong Kong fans booed in the stands when they did not see Messi on the field (Photo: AFP).

Many Hong Kong fans expressed their anger when they trampled on a large picture of Messi in the stands. The Hong Kong government later asked for clarification on why Messi did not play a single minute of the match, even though Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung had previously said the Argentine star would play for at least 45 minutes.

However, Messi spoke up to explain: "I always want to play, especially in matches where we have to travel a long distance and people want to watch our matches.

Unfortunately, this still happens in football. In any match, it can happen that you cannot play. I hope we can come back and play another match in Hong Kong."

After the friendly against Hong Kong, Inter Miami will have a final friendly against Messi's childhood team Newell's Old Boys before they start the new MLS season, where Beckham's team will face Real Salt Lake in their opening match on February 22.

Source