Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Inter Miami hear boos after Messi sits out Hong Kong friendly
Lionel Messi, David Beckham and Inter Miami were serenaded with boos by fans in Hong Kong after Messi failed to play in Sunday’s preseason match due to injury, resulting in local officials expressing "extreme disappointment" for his absence.
Messi wore Inter Miami gear, but was not in uniform and sitting on the bench during the match, which ended in a 4-1 victory for Inter Miami against a group of Hong Kong all-stars at Hong Kong Stadium, one day after he participated during a training session in front of a sold-out crowd.
Fans became restless chanting Messi’s name and refund repeatedly when they realized he would not play while other players substituted into the match during the second half.
Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner, was booed while addressing the crowd after the match.
"We understand a lot of fans are very disappointed and we ask for their forgiveness," Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said during a postgame press conference.
What is Lionel Messi’s injury? Will Lionel Messi play in Tokyo match?
Messi has inflammation in his adductor, and is considered day to day, Martino said. Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez also did not play due to knee inflammation.
Inter Miami is scheduled to play Japanese league champions Vissel Kobe on Thursday in Tokyo – the club’s final match in a preseason tour that will log more than 25,000 miles before the 2024 MLS season.
What did the Chinese government, event organizers say about Messi, Inter Miami?
A Hong Kong government spokesman expressed "extreme disappointment" in a statement released after the match Sunday, according to CNN.
The statement read: "Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organizer’s arrangement. The organizer owes all football fans an explanation."
Hong Kong government says it’s “extremely disappointed” after Messi’s no show on the pitch, will take follow-up action, “including reducing the amount of funding” https://t.co/LtHjUAJUK5 pic.twitter.com/FFsCTKJ3PK
— Chris Lau (@hkchrislau) February 4, 2024
TatlerXFest Hong Kong event organizers also released a statement: “Despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation of Messi or Suárez prior to kick off. Messi and Suárez were deemed unfit to play by their team’s medical department, to everyone’s, including ours, disappointment.”
Why did Lionel Messi not play in Hong Kong?
Messi was not listed on Inter Miami’s roster as available to play, the club posted on social media before the match Sunday. But other rosters distributed before the match listed Messi as a substitute.
Saurez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and goalie Drake Callendar were also listed as substituted, but Busquets and Alba entered the match in the second half.
How much Messi would play was a question after the Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner experienced injury discomfort during the week in Saudi Arabia.
Messi experienced discomfort during Inter Miami’s 4-3 loss to Al Hilal on Monday, and during a training session Tuesday. He took an MRI to evaluate the injury.
He was not initially expected to play against Al Nassr on Thursday, but entered as a substitute in the 83rd minute on the losing side of a 6-0 contest, and played conservatively to end the match.
Against Hong Kong, Inter Miami’s Robert Taylor, Lawson Sunderland, Leo Campana and Ryan Sailor scored in the match. It was the club’s first victory in five preseason matches.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Lionel Messi not play in Inter Miami's Hong Kong friendly?
