The Hong Kong government has expressed its disappointment and demanded answers from Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi following Messi’s absence from a friendly match held in Hong Kong. The Argentine player, who was reported to be injured, did not take part in the much-anticipated exhibition match, leaving fans and authorities perplexed. However, just three days later, Messi was seen playing actively in a friendly match held in Japan, raising concerns about the integrity and fairness of the situation.
The absence of Lionel Messi during the Hong Kong match left fans in the financial hub disappointed and frustrated. With a sell-out crowd eagerly awaiting his appearance on the field, many were left demanding answers and even a refund. The head coach of Inter Miami, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, explained that Messi was deemed unfit to play in the Hong Kong friendly due to his injury. However, the quick recovery and subsequent active participation in the Japanese match raised doubts among the fans and the government.
Responding to the situation, Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau released a statement demanding reasonable explanations from the organizers and teams involved. The government expressed its disappointment at the differential treatment shown to Hong Kong, where the match drew a massive 40,000 fans and commanded high-priced tickets, while the match in Japan had unoccupied seating blocks with only 28,614 tickets sold. The apparent inconsistency raised suspicions about the integrity of Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi.
The impact of Messi’s absence from the Hong Kong match has reverberated beyond the realm of sports. Mainland fans reportedly traveled long distances, such as 12 hours from Xinjiang, to see Messi play, only to be met with disappointment. The Chinese state-controlled Global Times emphasized the understandable disappointment of both fans and the government, highlighting the incident’s broader implications. Senior Hong Kong government advisor Regina Ip went as far as stating that the deliberate snub to Hong Kong by Messi, Inter Miami, and an alleged “black hand” had caused public resentment towards them.
On Tuesday before the match in Japan, Messi himself expressed his desire to play and acknowledged the excitement of fans around the world. He hoped that Inter Miami CF would have the opportunity to return to Hong Kong for another game in the future. With the conclusion of Miami’s preseason tour approaching, including a match against Messi’s youth club, Newell’s Old Boys, the controversy surrounding his absence in Hong Kong continues to linger.
As the Hong Kong government demands explanations from Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi, it is crucial for the parties involved to address the concerns raised and provide clarity about the situation. Transparency and open communication can help rebuild trust and ensure fair treatment for fans and the host city in future events. The Hong Kong controversy serves as a reminder of the impact that sporting events can have beyond the realm of sports itself, highlighting the need for integrity, fairness, and accountability.
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