Thousands turned out to watch the Argentina captain play against a Hong Kong XI, only for him to miss out through injury.
Amalia FraAS_AmaliaFraRoddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Feb 6th, 2024 03:39 EST
Lionel Messi was unable to play in Inter Miami’s last preseason game in Hong Kong, which caused an uproar among locals who were bitterly disappointed at missing their chance to watch the Argentine superstar in action. The MLS team have since left for Japan but the after effects of the former Barcelona playmaker’s no-show are still being felt, with the match organisers facing losing $1.9 million.
On Monday, the Hong Kong Government released a statement expressing its unhappiness at the situation and revealed one of the main conditions agreed with match organiser Tatler Asia was that Messi play for at least 45 minutes.
According to Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung, it was only confirmed 10 minutes before full time in Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory that Messi wouldn’t be appearing at all. “We therefore immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with fans or receiving the trophy. Unfortunately, this did not work out,” Yeung said.
Lionel Messi fans in Hong Kong were angry and disappointed after the Argentine did not play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over a local team. Playing Messi and Luis Suarez could have risked aggravating their injuries, Miami’s head coach said https://t.co/bbUROuF2C4 pic.twitter.com/PmYI36ZaZS
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) February 6, 2024
Messi reveals why he missed Hong Kong game
The latest to speak about the fallout was Messi himself, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explaining what had caused him to miss the game. “It was bad luck that I couldn’t play. I felt some discomfort in my adductor when we were in Saudi Arabia. An MRI scan showed I had some swelling, but no injury. I’ll try again in the next one. I missed the game in Hong Kong because of some muscle discomfort, which was a shame. I really wanted to play, especially because a lot of people came. It was so far away and people were so excited… but that’s part of the game.”
Will Messi play for Inter Miami against Vissel Kobe?
“Hopefully we can come back again and I can play. It was a pity. The preseason tour is coming to an end and I would like to play the last game in Japan before going back. My fitness will be assessed after today’s training session and then we’ll make a decision on whether I play or not. I feel much better,” Messi revealed.
Leo Messi: "I missed the last match in Hong Kong due to muscle discomfort. I really wanted to play because many people came, but this is part of the game.."The pre season tour is coming to an end and I would like to play the last match in Japan before returning. My condition… pic.twitter.com/d63EIZT6mh
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 6, 2024
Hong Kong Government may not pay due to contract breach
As a result of Messi not featuring in Hong Kong, The Herons and Tatler may well be deemed to have breached the terms of the contract agreed with the Hong Kong Government, who could opt out of paying what they were due to.
