Lionel Messi did not go unnoticed during his visit to Hong Kong, but not for having a superlative performance during the friendly that his Inter Miami won against Hong Kong XI by 4 to 1, but for his absence at the meeting.
The truth is that the conditions of the match between the American team and the Asian team had several established items, and one of them was the participation of the Argentine ten on the field.
But Messi He did not play due to an injury and that generated wholesale criticism from the organization, the local government and supporters.
The condition that the player from Rosario play at least 45 minutes was not met and the booing in the stadium was felt at the team’s exit.. Messi, sitting on the substitute bench It did not go unnoticed and ended up being the target of catcalls.
The Hong Kong Government’s apology for Messi’s absence
“One of the main conditions of our financing agreement with Tatler Asia was that “Messi will participate in the match for at least 45 minutes, except for reasons related to his physical condition and safety.”he stated Kevin Yeung, Secretary of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Hong Kong.
Besides, The Government was “very disappointed” and threatened to withdraw the 1.9 million euros of public financing from the organizer of the event. because the company had assured the presence of Messi in the second half until minutes before the start of the game, according to what he stated Yeung.
“The Government, as well as all football fans, are very disappointed by the organisers’ disposition. “The organizer owes an explanation to all football fans.”the official closed.
Messi He tried to calm down the local fans by waving from the bench but none of that calmed down the paying fans. 1,580 Hong Kong dollars (about $200) to see the Flea.
Messi apologized for his absence
The Rosario star gave a press conference and explained the reasons for his absence in the friendly match that the Inter Miami played in Hong Kong.
“Unfortunately, it’s a football thing, in any game you can have an injury. It happened to me, I couldn’t be in the Hong Kong game and it’s a shame because I always want to participate. I wanted to be there and even more so when it comes to this type of games that we travel so far and that people are so excited to see us,” said the man from Rosario at a press conference.
And he concluded: “Hopefully we can play another game in Hong Kong and I can be present as I do whenever I can, but the truth is it is a shame that I have not been able to participate.”
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
