Lionel Messi’s miraculous restoration from harm has sparked a large public backlash in Hong Kong.
The Argentine celebrity sat out Inter Miami’s pleasant victory over Hong Kong XI on Sunday, with supervisor Tata Martino blaming his absence on health issues. But three days later he was chosen to play in opposition to Japan outfit Vissel Kobe, which precipitated a little bit of a stir.
Fans, media officers and even politicians in Hong Kong and China have been left raging at what they perceived to be an egregious injustice. Many supporters demanded refunds, having purchased tickets within the hopes of seeing Messi in motion, whereas native media shops claimed the World Cup-winner’s absence was proof of “differential treatment” given to Hong Kong.
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In an announcement launched on Sunday, the Hong Kong authorities mentioned: “Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers’ arrangement. The organisers owe all football fans an explanation.”
China’s state-controlled Global Times questioned Messi and Miami’s integrity, writing: “The match in Hong Kong became the only one in Messi’s six pre-season friendly matches on this trip where he was absent. The situation … has magnified these doubts and suspicions on the integrity of Inter Miami and Messi himself.”
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(Image: Kyodo)
Prior to Miami’s conflict with Vissel Kobe, Messi apologised to followers on social media, saying it was an actual disgrace he wasn’t in a position to participate within the match in Hong Kong attributable to an harm. He wrote: “Anyone who knows me knows that I always want to play … especially in these games where we travel so far and people are excited to see our games. Hopefully we can come back and play a game in Hong Kong.”
However, Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau successfully accused the Barcelona legend of being dishonest about his health, saying in an announcement: “Three days later, Messi was able to play actively and freely in Japan … the government hopes the organisers and teams can provide reasonable explanations.”
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Messi wasn’t the one well-known Miami star neglected of the conflict with Hong Kong XI, an exhibition workforce made up of gamers in Hong Kong’s First Division League. Luis Suarez spent your complete recreation on the bench, whereas Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have been lowered to substitute appearances.