Disappointed Fans Demand Refunds After Messi's Absence in Inter Miami Match in Hong Kong
Thousands of soccer fans in Hong Kong were left disappointed when Lionel Messi didn't play in a friendly match for Inter Miami. The absence of Messi and other star players resulted in boos and calls for refunds from the crowd. The event organizer has faced criticism from both fans and the government over the arrangements for the match.
Fans Express Disappointment at Messi's Absence
Soccer fans in Hong Kong had eagerly anticipated seeing Argentine superstar Lionel Messi play in a friendly match for Inter Miami. However, their excitement quickly turned into disappointment when Messi didn't take to the field. The sold-out crowd of 40,000 fans expressed their frustration through boos and chants for refunds.
The match, which saw Inter Miami defeat a Hong Kong XI 4-1, was overshadowed by the absence of Messi. Fans had prioritized witnessing the World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in action over the actual scoreline of the game. Even Hong Kong's government criticized the event organizer for the situation, demanding an explanation for the disappointment caused to fans.
Controversy Surrounding Player Selection
Not only was Messi absent from the match, but another high-profile signing, Luis Suárez, also did not feature. Despite attending the pre-match press conference, Suárez was not included in the team. Marquee players Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were only substituted on in the second half.
The choice to leave Messi and other key players out of the match sparked controversy and frustration among the fans. Whistles and jeers accompanied the additional trophy presentation, fireworks, and speech by club co-owner David Beckham. The disappointment reached its peak when the big-screen cameras panned to Messi, resulting in further boos from the crowd.
Calls for Refunds and Organizer's Response
As the match neared its end, the frustration of the fans turned into demands for refunds. In both English and Cantonese, chants of "refund, refund, refund" echoed through the stadium during injury time. Tickets for the match had been on sale since December, with prices ranging from 880 to 4,880 Hong Kong dollars.
Tatler XFEST, the event organizer, expressed their "extreme disappointment" regarding Messi and Suárez's absence and claimed to have had no prior information about their non-participation. The organizer has been contacted by CNN for a comment but has yet to respond.
