Hong Kong fans boo Inter Miami, Messi demands refund after missing friendly match | Soccer News

“We want Messi” chants were heard around the stadium, and disappointed fans said they felt cheated by organizers.

Lionel Messi's three-day accolade in Hong Kong came as the Argentine played in Inter Miami's 4-1 win over 11th place in the local league in a friendly during the US club's pre-season tour. As there was no such thing, the result was heartbreaking for fans.

Spectators chanted “refund” and the Hong Kong government announced that match organizer Tatler Asia could face a reduction in funding after Messi remained on the bench during Sunday's match.

The World Cup-winning captain sat on the bench throughout the match due to a hamstring injury. This sparked outrage from a near-capacity crowd of 38,323 people who paid more than HK$1,000 ($125), and in many cases five times that amount, to see Hero.

Midway through the second half, chants of “We want Messi” were heard around the Hong Kong Stadium from fans anxious to see one of the greatest soccer players of his generation in a much-hyped exhibition game.

The boos grew louder in the final 10 minutes when it became clear that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would not make even a brief cameo.

The jeers reached a crescendo at the final whistle, with Miami co-owner David Beckham attempting to thank the crowd for their “incredible support” as fans showed their anger with thumbs-up gestures. However, it was drowned out by boos.

In a statement, the government said the Major Sporting Events Commission (MSEC) had awarded the event HK$15 million ($1.92 billion) and a HK$1 million ($127,854) subsidy to the venue.

“The government, as well as all soccer fans, are extremely disappointed in the organizers' arrangement regarding Messi not participating in the match today. The organizers owe an explanation to all soccer fans,” they said. .

“MSEC will take follow-up measures with the organizers in accordance with the regulations, including the reduction of funds due to Messi's absence from the match.”

Organizers had expected Messi and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez of Uruguay to take part, but said it was extremely disappointing that they did not play in the match.

“Despite some reports, Coach Tatler had no information about the non-participation of Messi or Suarez before kick-off,” they said in a statement.

“Messi and Suarez were deemed unfit to play by the team's medical department, much to the disappointment of everyone, including us.”

“I feel like I was deceived.”

“It's really disappointing,” fan Jonathan Wong told AFP news agency.

“I feel a bit cheated because everyone is here to see Messi.

“Without him, it would be the same as a regular Hong Kong Premier League match where tickets only cost HK$80.” [$11].This time I paid HK$5,000. [$625]”

Miami manager Gerardo Martino said the decision was made by the club's medical team after an evaluation on Sunday morning.

“We understand the fans' disappointment with Leo's absence.” [Messi] And we ask for their forgiveness,” Martino told reporters.

“We could have sent Leo out, at least for a while, but the risk was too great.”

It was a bitter end to the era of “Messimania” in Hong Kong.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to watch him train on Saturday, doing little more than jogging and stretching.

The team hotel was besieged by hundreds of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their hero, and a traditional junk boat was cruising around Victoria Harbour, with Messi's face plastered on its sails.

Messi can expect a similar sight in Tokyo, where Miami continues its preseason tour with a friendly against J.League champion Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.