The expectation of the nearly 40,000 fans to see Leo Messi in action was maximum. The match between Hong Kong XI and Inter Miami (1-4) was probably one of the last opportunities for some of those present to see him in action. However, moments later, and with the match over, they saw how their aspirations were frustrated.
The ‘flea’ and Luis Suarez They did not play any minutes and both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba they would only play the last half hour. The indignation was tremendous and the fans responded with boos and demanding a refund of the money they had paid. Although the initial price ranged between 20 and 125 euros, resale has reached close to 600 euros. If we add to this the people who traveled from other countries, the costs increase even more. Likewise, ‘Tata’ Martino did not want to force a Messi who had discomfort.
Once the match is over, The whistles continued and even increased when the ‘Las Garzas’ team collected the award. A situation that would end up ‘exploding’ with the attempted speech of David Beckham, president and co-founder of the American entity.
Fans in Hong Kong criticize the absence of Leo Messi on the pitch / AGENCIES
In response to all the noise that has been generated, The Hong Kong Government could penalize the organizing companywho has earned about two million for bringing in a team with the four ex-Azulgranas as the maximum attraction.
The Secretary of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung explained that “One of the key points of the agreement with the organizers was to have Messi participate in the match for at least 45 minutes“In addition, other ways were considered to make the Argentine’s appearance noticeable in some way, whether for example: “interacting with the fans when receiving the trophy,” according to Yeung himself. Still, nothing would work.
Next stop: Vissel Kobe
Inter Miami of Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Jordi Alba will compete this Wednesday a last game of the preseason tour against the Vissel Kobe. It will be curious to see what happens this time taking into account the precedent of this Sunday in Hong Kong, the former team of former Barcelona player Andrés Iniesta.
If the scenario repeats itself, it remains to be seen how fans react to a similar episode. Will Martino, in the situation in which he finds himself, listen to the doctors’ recommendations or will he succumb to popular pressure for Messi or Suárez to have minutes?