Hong Kong Government Issues Terse Statement After Lionel Messi Sits Out Friendly

More than 40,000 fans showed up to see the Inter Miami FC star, but he didn’t appear in the match.

The Hong Kong government released a statement Sunday asking for an explanation as to why Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi did not play in his team’s friendly match against a Hong Kong XI hours earlier.

“Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organiser’s arrangement,” a Hong Kong government spokesperson said. “The organiser owes all football fans an explanation.

“The [Major Sports Events Committee] will take follow-up actions with the organiser according to the terms and conditions, which includes reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match,” the statement continued. 

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi is nursing an adductor injury during his club’s international preseason tour :: Victor Fraile/USA TODAY Sports

The event, called Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, attracted over 40,000 fans. Many of them booed and called for a refund as Messi remained an unused substitute for the entirety of the 4–1 Miami win. After the match, Miami coach Tata Martino explained Messi’s absence was due to injury. 

Messi has been nursing an adductor injury during Miami’s preseason tour. Inter Miami will play another friendly Wednesday in Japan before returning stateside.