Messi's absence for a friendly match sows trouble in Hong Kong and provokes controversy

Leo Messi was present in Hong Kong for the friendly match. MAXPPP – Liau Chung-ren

Currently in the pre-season phase, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami continued its tour this Sunday, February 4 against the Hong Kong national team. And the absence of the Argentinian star, although announced to be present, is currently controversial.

Major League Soccer (MLS) – American championship, resumes its rights on February 22, including as opening match, the meeting between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake. 

In the meantime, David Beckham's property continues its tour after a final bitter 6-0 defeat against Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia). 

And this Sunday, February 4, it was in Asia that the Americans traveled to face the Hong Kong national team. A largely won match (4-1) which aroused keen interest locally. 

The organizer of the friendly match had committed to having the Argentinian Lionel Messi play for at least 45 minutes, the Hong Kong sports minister revealed this Monday, February 5. ;

Checking in from Hong Kong 👋 pic.twitter.com/T1xOwWfFIi

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 3, 2024

Suffering from a hamstring injury that occurred shortly before the match, Leo Messi was unable to play this match. Which was not at all to the taste of the supporters who made the trip largely for the World Champion. 

More than 38,000 supporters, who paid a minimum price of 125 dollars (115 euros), and in many cases much more, traveled for a meeting which did not have the opportunity to ;#39;welcome the Argentinian star on the pitch. 

Inter Miami under fire

The chants "pay it back!" and the screams crescendoed until the final whistle when Englishman David Beckham, co-owner of the Miami club, was drowned out by boos when he tried to thank the crowd .

The Hong Kong government issued two consecutive statements on Sunday evening, declaring itself "extremely disappointed", and threatening to withdraw 1.9 million euros in public funding from the event organizer, Tatler Asia, a luxury fashion and lifestyle media outlet.

"One of the key conditions of our funding agreement with Tatler Asia was that Messi participates in the match for at least 45 minutes, subject to fitness and safety considerations", Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said at a press conference on Monday.

"Yesterday, before the start of the match, organizer Tatler Asia reaffirmed that Messi would play in the second half", he explained. 

Final from Hong Kong Stadium 👊 pic.twitter.com/QFT5jH2VRC

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 4, 2024

Yeung, who attended the match at the stadium with other officials, including Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, assured that the local government had attempted to negotiate with the organizer when the 36-year-old failed to appear on the field at the start of the second half.

The negotiations reached an impasse ten minutes before the end of the match, because the "solutions" such as Messi's appearance on the pitch to interact with fans and receive the trophy were refused.

The minister added that the Hong Kong government would make a decision on whether to withdraw the planned financial aid after reviewing the facts with the organizer of the aid. ;event.