Messi's Absence Sparks Anger Among Authorities and Fans in Hong Kong
The fact that the Argentine didn't play in the first match of Inter Miami's Asian tour has not been well received by the Hong Kong government or some fans.
Authorities and football fans in Hong Kong have expressed their disappointment over Argentine star Lionel Messi's benching during the match in which Inter Miami defeated the Hong Kong team 4-1, amid the MLS team's preseason Asian tour.
The exhibition match between the Hong Kong team and David Beckham's Inter Miami was intended to be a spectacle, a treat for soccer fans, but it turned into a tale of widespread disappointment due to the absence of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner on the field.
Due to a muscle injury, the Argentine couldn't participate in the match, and fans, who snapped up over 38,000 tickets an hour after they went on sale in December, showed their dismay by booing the team and demanding refunds in unison.
"We are sad and disappointed. What hurt us the most was that he didn't even come out to greet, apologize, or pass some balls to the audience," lamented Victoria Tripodoro, an Argentine student who paid 1,580 Hong Kong dollars (about 187 euros, 200 US dollars) to see her idol in action.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government expressed "deep disappointment that Messi did not play and that the organizer did not provide a detailed explanation immediately."
On Monday, Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung told local press that "one of the key conditions of our funding agreement was that Messi would participate in the match for at least 45 minutes, subject to considerations of physical fitness and safety."
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) allocated 15 million Hong Kong dollars (1,779,130 euros, 1,917,661 US dollars) for the event, as well as a grant of 1 million Hong Kong dollars (127,385 US dollars) for venue management, the government said in a statement.
Therefore, authorities assured that they will "take follow-up actions in accordance with the terms and conditions set with the organizing company, including reducing the amount of funding."
What Did "Tata" Martino Say About This?
In this regard, Martino pointed out that having Messi and Suárez on the field could have posed a risk of aggravating their injuries.
"Leo has inflammation in the adductor muscle. When we sat down with the medical team, they stated that it was very risky for him to play today," the coach told reporters, adding that in Suárez's case, due to his knee problem, he was not in condition "after waking up swollen after the second match in Saudi Arabia."
"We understand the disappointment of the audience who came to the stadium today due to the absence of these players," Martino lamented.
Sunday's victory marked Inter Miami's first win in the five preseason matches they've played, following defeats against FC Dallas and Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, and they will continue their preseason tour in Japan when they face Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
