The Argentine star only sat on the bench in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over the Hong Kong team (China) on February 4.
Thousands of Hong Kong fans spent a lot of money to buy tickets (ranging from 113 USD, about 2.7 million VND) to 624 USD (15.2 million VND) to go to the stadium to see the player who played 8 times. won the FIFA Golden Ball in competition but then experienced disappointment when Messi did not play a single minute.
Messi just sat chewing gum on the bench during Inter Miami’s friendly match with Hong Kong (Photo: Getty).
Many disappointed Hong Kong fans booed in the stands when they could not see Messi on the field (Photo: AFP).
Many Hong Kong fans expressed anger when they tore down a large picture of Messi in the stands. The Hong Kong government then asked to clarify why Messi did not play a minute in this match, although previously Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said the Argentine star would play little. at least 45 minutes.
However, Messi explained: “I always want to play, especially in matches where we have to travel very far and people want to watch our matches.
Unfortunately, this still happens in football. In any match, it is possible that you cannot play. I hope we can come back and play another match in Hong Kong.”
After the friendly match with Hong Kong, Inter Miami will have a final friendly match with Messi’s childhood team, Newell’s Old Boys, before they start the new MLS season, where president Beckham’s team will meet Real. Salt Lake in its opening match on February 22.
