The Hong Kong government has expressed its disappointment and demanded answers from Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s absence from a friendly match in Hong Kong. The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong released a statement expressing their disappointment that Messi could not play due to injury but subsequently played in Japan just three days later. The government, along with the fans, expects reasonable explanations from the organizers and teams involved.
Disillusioned Fans
The absence of Messi during the highly anticipated Inter Miami match in Hong Kong left many fans in the financial hub feeling dismayed. With a sell-out crowd eagerly awaiting his presence, fans demanded answers and even sought refunds. Prior to the match, Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino had indicated that Messi was likely to play. However, it was later revealed that Messi had been deemed unfit to participate in the Hong Kong friendly, leaving fans feeling disappointed and seeking clarity.
Casting further doubt on Messi’s absence, the Argentine superstar later played as a substitute in Miami’s shootout loss to Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday. This stark contrast between his inability to participate in the Hong Kong match and his subsequent active involvement in Japan became a significant point of contention. The Hong Kong government, along with its fans, found it perplexing that Messi was unable to play in their city but was then able to play freely in Japan. Such contradicting circumstances raised questions about the integrity of Inter Miami CF and Messi himself.
The Global Times, a state-controlled media outlet in China, highlighted the differential treatment given to Hong Kong in comparison to other locations on Messi’s preseason friendly tour. The Hong Kong match stood out as the only one where Messi was absent, creating doubt and suspicion surrounding the motivations behind his absence. Mainland fans even traveled for long hours to Hong Kong to witness Messi’s performance, making their disappointment and the government’s concerns entirely understandable. The repercussions of this incident are not limited to the sports realm, as it has far-reaching implications beyond.
Regina Ip, a senior advisor for the Hong Kong government, expressed her disdain for Messi, Inter Miami CF, and the alleged hidden forces behind their actions. She accused them of deliberately snubbing Hong Kong and jeopardizing the relationship between Messi and the Hong Kong people. Ip’s strong words reflect the anger and frustration felt by the Hong Kong government and fans alike.
Future Uncertainties
As Inter Miami CF concludes its preseason tour, Messi’s former club, Newell’s Old Boys, awaits them for their final friendly on February 15th. The team will then embark on their MLS regular-season play against Real Salt Lake on February 21st. However, the controversy surrounding Messi’s absence in Hong Kong raises questions about the future relationship between Inter Miami CF, Messi, and the city itself. The Hong Kong government and its citizens will closely monitor the actions of the club and the player moving forward.
The absence of Lionel Messi in the Hong Kong friendly match has left a significant impact on both the fans and the government. The contradictions between his inability to play in Hong Kong and his subsequent involvement in Japan have raised doubts about the integrity of Inter Miami CF and Messi himself. The demands for answers from the Hong Kong government reflect the disappointment and disillusionment felt by its people. The repercussions of this incident extend far beyond the realm of sports, leaving uncertainties about the future relationship between Messi, Inter Miami CF, and Hong Kong.
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