Hong Kong supporters expressed discontent because Messi was not present for the friendly match against Hong Kong XI – Photo: CNN

The exhibition match featuring Inter Miami (USA) led by renowned player Lionel Messi and Hong Kong XI occurred at Hong Kong Stadium. The stadium, which can accommodate around 40,000 spectators, was completely occupied. The ticket price for spectators to enter the stadium and witness the match exceeds 5 million VND, the highest denomination available.  

The atmosphere prior to the match was highly animated as the spectators incessantly cheered in anticipation of witnessing Messi’s virtuosic ball control. Hong Kong fans acknowledge that the outcome of the match holds little significance; their primary anticipation lies in witnessing Messi’s live performance.

A multitude of Hong Kong fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of their revered idol, Messi, for several weeks. However, the outcomes have provoked their anger – Image: REUTERS

Prior to the match, there was intelligence regarding Messi’s injury. Nevertheless, he participated for approximately 13 minutes in the latest exhibition game against Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. During the press conference, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino declared his intention to maximise the playing time of Messi and Luis Suarez.

This instilled confidence among Hong Kong fans, as they anticipated the opportunity to witness the renowned superstar, who had recently triumphed in the World Cup and secured his 8th Golden Ball, showcase his football skills. 

However, none of the expectations were fulfilled. Messi remained on the bench for the whole match, without making an appearance on the pitch for even a minute. Luis Suarez, who attended the last press conference, was also absent from the game.

Messi, positioned in the fifth row from the left in the seated row, is unable to take part in the friendly encounter between Inter Miami and Hong Kong XI because of an injury. This information is conveyed through a photograph published by CNN.

Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, two prominent stars, were substituted throughout the second half of the match. Upon realising that Messi would not be entering the pitch, Hong Kong fans underwent a continuous shift in their mentality over the final 20 minutes of the match. 

Initially, they vociferated the rallying cry: “We demand Messi!”. As frustration grew, spectators vociferated: “Where is Messi?” upon witnessing a substitute made by Inter Miami. 

February 2 morning sports news: Messi had a playing time of 13 minutes, but, Inter Miami suffered a significant defeat to Al Nassr even in the absence of Ronaldo.

During the additional period, the fury of Hong Kong supporters escalated to its zenith as they vociferously demanded “reimbursements” in both English and Cantonese. 

Hong Kong media also documented the occurrence when a spectator deliberately placed their foot squarely on the image of Messi on the advertising poster for the match displayed outside the pitch.

At the trophy ceremony following the match, spectators expressed their disapproval by whistling, booing, and jeering when David Beckham, one of the co-owners of Inter Miami Club, delivered a speech. The audience’s disapproval escalated as the camera shifted its focus to Messi, projecting his picture onto the large screen.

Coach Tata Martino and Luis Suarez reneged on their commitment to Hong Kongsupporters – Photo: CNN

The Hong Kong authorities also conveyed their dissatisfaction with the match organisers in light of Messi’s absence. “Regrettably, Messi was incapacitated for participation in today’s exhibition match (February 4). Both the government and the fans expressed dissatisfaction with the event organisers’ preparations.” The organisers of this event have a responsibility to everyone. The Hong Kong government expressed its desire for an explanation in a statement.

The Hong Kong government is expected to withdraw financial assistance for the match organisers due to Messi’s absence. Earlier, the Hong Kong government allocated a budget of 1.9 million USD to provide financial assistance to the organisers of this event.

Regarding coach Tata Martino, he clarified that Messi and Suarez were absent from the game owing to injuries. The Argentine tactician expressed that any attempt to field Messi and Suarez might potentially exacerbate their problems.