It was a tricky weekend for Inter Miami in Hong Kong.
The MLS club that hosts soccer superstar Lionel Messi was forced to leave the club after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not play in a friendly match against all-star team Hong Kong Eleven, despite the organizers’ promise of Messi’s appearance. , faced the ire of Hong Kong fans. Up.
Instead, fans who paid between HK$880 and HK$4,880 (roughly $113 to $624) didn’t see Messi or fellow star Luis Suarez.
This led to disgruntled fans shouting: “Where’s Messi?” And “refund, refund, refund.”
Later, when Inter Miami owner David Beckham addressed fans on the pitch after the game, there was a storm of boos.
The incident raises questions about what event organizer Tatler Hong Kong knew about Messi’s availability.
This prompted Hong Kong’s government to demand an explanation for what had happened, with Hong Kong’s Major Sports Events Commission (MSEC) saying in a statement that Tatler Hong Kong, which had received $1.92 million to help organize the tournament, He said he would seek a reduction in funding. Match together.
MSEC said, “The government, as well as all soccer fans, deeply regret the arrangement made by the organizers regarding Messi not participating in today’s match.” According to Reuters. “The organizers have an obligation to explain to all football fans.
“MSEC will take follow-up measures with the organizers in accordance with the regulations, including the reduction of funds due to Messi’s absence from the match.”
Tatler Hong Kong said it was “extremely disappointed” that Messi and Suarez would not play in Sunday’s match, insisting they were unaware that either would be on the pitch.
“Despite some reports, Tatler had no information before kick-off regarding the non-participation of Messi or Suarez.” statement read. “Messi and Suarez were deemed unfit to play by the team’s medical department, much to the disappointment of everyone, including us.”
Messi was unable to play due to inflammation in his adductor muscle, which Inter Miami has been monitoring since the team’s preseason tour to Saudi Arabia. According to The Athletic.
Head coach Tata Martino told reporters he was evaluated Sunday morning and the decision to keep him out of the game was made at that time.
Suarez missed the Hong Kong friendly due to knee inflammation.
“I understand the disappointment of the fans who filled the stadium today regarding the absence of Leo and Luis Suarez,” Martino said. “This decision was made in conjunction with the medical staff. We run a huge risk of aggravating their injuries, which is why they were unable to play in the match. We hope that people will be disappointed. I understand what you are doing.
“We apologize and hope you understand that if we had had the opportunity to let them play for a while, we would have done so. But we were taking a serious risk, and we worked with our medical staff to I have made a decision.”
