Lionel Messi China dispute could force Argentina into friendly location switch
Argentina's March friendlies in China versus Nigeria and Ivory Coast could be moved amid the ongoing dispute around Lionel Messi's controversial no-show in Hong Kong.
Messi controversy threatens Argentina's March friendlies in China
Argentina's planned friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast in China during the March FIFA window may have to be relocated due to the ongoing dispute over Lionel Messi's absence in Hong Kong.
The Argentina Football Association (AFA) announced in January that the team would play against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. However, the current political climate in China has turned against Messi, prompting the AFA to consider alternative venues for the matches.
While the AFA has not officially announced the cancellation of the games in China, discussions are being held to potentially arrange matches against the same opponents in a different location.
Hong Kong government expresses disappointment over Messi's no-show
Lionel Messi faced criticism from the Hong Kong government after he did not play in the match against Hong Kong XI last Sunday. He was sidelined due to an adductor injury. However, Messi later played 30 minutes in a match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, which was seen as a deliberate snub by the Hong Kong government.
The Hong Kong government expects reasonable explanations from the organizers and teams regarding this contradiction in Messi's availability to play.
As a result of Messi's absence, the promoters of the match in Hong Kong, Tatler Asia, announced that the 40,000 fans who attended the Inter Miami match would receive a 50 percent refund. Inter Miami will also play another friendly match on February 15 against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's childhood club, before the MLS regular season begins.
Future plans and upcoming matches for Inter Miami and Messi
With the ongoing controversy, it remains uncertain where Argentina's March friendlies will take place. The AFA is engaged in discussions to determine alternative locations to China for the matches against Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami will conclude their tour with a scoreless draw and play one more friendly match on February 15 against Newell's Old Boys, giving Messi the opportunity to play for his childhood club. The MLS regular season will commence six days later, with Inter Miami facing Real Salt Lake.
The circumstances surrounding Messi's absence and the subsequent repercussions highlight the complexities and sensitivities involved when international football clashes with political considerations.
