The Hong Kong government has recently expressed its discontent with both Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi following an incident that has left many fans feeling betrayed. The controversy arose when Messi played in a friendly match in Japan, just three days after missing a similar exhibition match in Hong Kong. This unexpected turn of events has raised eyebrows and led to demands for explanations from both the organizers and the iconic Argentine himself.
The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong issued a statement expressing its disappointment in Messi’s absence and demanding a reasonable explanation for the inconsistency. The government, along with the fans, found it hard to comprehend how Messi could play actively and freely in Japan after claiming to be injured and unable to participate in the match in Hong Kong.
The incident left the financial hub of Hong Kong dismayed, as Messi failed to make an appearance in a highly anticipated Inter Miami match that had sold out to a crowd eagerly awaiting his performance. The head coach of Inter Miami, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, claimed that Messi was unfit to play in the Hong Kong friendly due to his injury. However, this explanation appeared contradictory as Martino had previously stated that Messi was likely to play in the match, leaving fans puzzled and demanding not only answers but also refunds.
Messi’s appearance as a 60th minute substitute in Miami’s subsequent match against a Japanese side further fueled the controversy. The situation seemed to question the differential treatment shown towards Hong Kong, raising doubts surrounding the integrity of Inter Miami and Messi himself. The China state-controlled Global Times expressed its concerns over the incident, highlighting the absence of Messi in Hong Kong compared to his other preseason matches.
The disappointment of fans extended beyond Hong Kong, as mainland supporters had eagerly traveled for hours to witness Messi’s presence. The impact of his absence reached far beyond the realm of sports, with Regina Ip, a senior Hong Kong government advisor, voicing her disgruntlement over the deliberate snub. Ip’s statement on X emphasized the resentment harbored by Hong Kong citizens towards Messi, Inter Miami, and the alleged puppeteer behind the scenes.
While Inter Miami continues its preseason tour, playing its final game against Messi’s youth club Newell’s Old Boys on February 15th, Hong Kong and its government remain shaken by the events. The absence of Messi has tarnished the reputation of both Inter Miami and the player himself, leaving fans and authorities questioning their integrity.
As Miami prepares for the start of the MLS regular season on February 21st against Real Salt Lake, the incident in Hong Kong serves as a cautionary tale. The controversy surrounding Messi’s absence highlights the importance of transparent communication, ensuring that fans are not left disappointed and questioning the authenticity of the sport they hold dear. Hopefully, lessons will be learned from this incident, and measures will be put in place to prevent similar controversies in the future.
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