Lionel Messi Regrets Missing Friendly Match in Hong Kong
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi expressed regret over not being able to play in a friendly match in Hong Kong.
Messi's Regret
Lionel Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, expressed regret for not being able to participate in a friendly match in Hong Kong. Messi was unable to step onto the pitch to play against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday, which caused outrage among fans. He stated that he was kept off the field due to an injury but really wanted to play.
Messi told reporters, "I couldn't be in the Hong Kong game and it's a shame because I always want to participate, I want to be there, especially when it's about these types of games that we travel so far and that people are so excited to see our games."
Fan Response and Government Disappointment
The popularity of the 36-year-old Argentine has led to fans eagerly awaiting Inter Miami's preseason tour. During the match in Hong Kong, a sellout crowd of 40,000 attended, but the atmosphere turned sour when fans booed, jeered, and demanded ticket refunds as Messi remained on the bench.
Even the Hong Kong government expressed disappointment at the decision to keep the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner off the field. They stated that they were "disappointed" with the situation.
Medical Advice and Future Hopes
Miami manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino later explained that both Messi and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez had remained on the bench based on advice from medical staff. Inter Miami is currently in Tokyo for the next leg of their preseason tour, where they will face Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
Messi acknowledged the fans' frustration and expressed hope that Miami would have another opportunity to play in Hong Kong. When asked about his participation in the upcoming match against Vissel Kobe, Messi stated, "If I'm honest, I still don't know if I can or not, but I feel much better and I really want to be able to do it."
