The absence of Lionel Messi, the record eight-times Ballon D’Or winner, along with his teammate Luis Suárez in an exhibition game in Hong Kong has left fans infuriated and organizers disappointed. Inter Miami, the MLS club, has issued an apology for the late decision to not let Messi play, stating that the club deemed it necessary to prioritize the players’ health. In a statement sent to Reuters, Miami acknowledged the disappointment among fans and the frustration caused by the late decision.
Inter Miami explained that the decision regarding Messi and Suárez was made to ensure their well-being. The club wanted to allow for the possibility of their availability until the last moment, leading to the late announcement. Miami emphasized that injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the health of the players should always be the top priority.
Three days after the Hong Kong game, Lionel Messi played in Inter Miami’s friendly match against J-League side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. However, the Japan National Stadium had unoccupied seating blocks, with only 28,614 tickets sold out of the capacity. This indicates that the absence of Messi and Suárez in the Hong Kong game might have affected the interest level of spectators in Tokyo.
Frustration and Potential Funding Reduction
During the sold-out game in Hong Kong, fans chanted “refund,” expressing their frustration. Additionally, the Hong Kong government stated that match organizers Tatler Asia might face a reduction in funding. The Major Sports Events Committee had granted a significant amount of money for the event, along with a grant for the venue. The disappointment and negative reactions from fans and the government could have consequences for future events organized by Tatler Asia.
Inter Miami expressed its eagerness to return to Hong Kong, provided that fans are open to receiving the club again. The club acknowledged that injuries are an inherent risk in football, emphasizing that they cannot be blamed for such unfortunate circumstances. Miami considers the injury-related disappointment an unavoidable part of the game that affected their visit to Hong Kong.
Inter Miami’s apology for Lionel Messi’s absence in the Hong Kong exhibition game highlights the club’s prioritization of player health. The disappointment among fans and the frustration caused by the late decision showcase the impact of star players’ absence on the overall experience. The unoccupied seats in Tokyo indicate a potential connection between the Hong Kong incident and the reduced interest from spectators. The chants for a refund and the possibility of reduced funding for future events pose challenges for match organizers. However, Inter Miami remains hopeful for a return to Hong Kong in the future, emphasizing the uncontrollable nature of injuries in football.
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