Chinese fans and media have expressed their disappointment and anger towards Lionel Messi, the Argentine star of Inter Miami, for playing a friendly match in Japan just days after missing a match in Hong Kong due to injury.
Messi’s absence in the match against a Hong Kong team last Sunday due to abductor discomfort has sparked criticism in China. The state newspaper Global Times has criticized Messi for his supposed impassive and inexpressive attitude during his stay in Hong Kong, while in Japan, he appeared more engaged and greeted everyone.
The Argentine star apologized to his Chinese fans and stated that he had anticipated feeling better from his discomfort. He expressed his desire to play in these games and hopes to return to play in Hong Kong in the future.
Inter Miami clarified that it was too risky for Messi to play and deemed it necessary for him to sit out of the match.
However, the explanation did not satisfy Chinese fans, with one fan expressing anger at feeling deceived. The disappointment has also been directed at David Beckham, a shareholder of Inter Miami, and Hong Kong Secretary of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung, who stated that one of the key conditions of their financing agreement was Messi’s participation in the match for at least 45 minutes.
When tickets for the match went on sale, fans paid exorbitant sums to attend, and the Hong Kong government is still waiting for the organizers and teams to provide a reasonable explanation.
The reaction on social media has also reflected the disappointment, with internet users criticizing Messi’s friendly attitude towards the Japanese compared to his perceived apathetic behavior in China.
The situation has led to tension between Chinese fans, Messi, and the officials involved, as the fallout from Messi’s absence continues to unfold.