The prank surrounding reservist Lionel Messi is entering the next round. As Hong Kong’s Sports Minister Kevin Yeung explained, Argentina’s World Cup captain was actually contractually obliged to play at least 45 minutes in his club Inter Miami’s game against a local team. However, this did not happen on Sunday, much to the displeasure of the fans. Yeung said the funding agreement with organizer Tatler
During the game, government officials were repeatedly assured that Messi would be used, said Yeung. Ten minutes before the end, however, we learned that this would not be possible due to the superstar’s thigh injury. “We immediately asked them to look for other solutions, such as having Messi appear on the pitch to talk to fans and accept a trophy,” Yeung said.
“We didn’t pay any money”
Since this didn’t happen either, the Ministry of Sports could now even withhold the planned sponsorship money for the event. Up to 16 million Hong Kong dollars (about 1.9 million euros) could not be paid out, said Yeung. “We didn’t pay any money. I think we will continue to contact the organizers in the coming weeks,” said Yeung. And further: “Then we will make a decision on how to deal with this conflict.”
On Sunday, the huge hype surrounding Messi had gradually turned into disappointment and anger. The eight-time “world footballer” had previously triggered a real “Messi mania”, with almost 40,000 spectators coming to the Hong Kong Stadium. They had paid up to 115 euros for a ticket to see one of the best players of his time.
Setback for Hong Kong
Messi’s no-show is a setback for the Asian financial capital’s efforts to boost tourism and spending amid a crackdown on dissent and strict pandemic regulations. Inter Miami’s visit comes after music greats including Coldplay and Taylor Swift decided to skip the city on their Asian tours and visit rival Singapore instead.
After the game, Miami’s co-owner David Beckham tried in vain to thank the team for the “incredible support” – he was booed like Messi and the Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who also did not play due to an alleged knee injury.
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“We understand the disappointment of the fans,” said Inter coach Gerardo Martino, “we apologize. We would have liked to have sent Lio and Luis onto the pitch at least briefly, but the risk was too high.” The fans’ chants of “We want Messi” had received no response.
On a five-game tour before the start of the MLS season, Messi last played a few minutes in Saudi Arabia – his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo missed the duel with Al-Nassr due to injury.