Hong Kong v Inter Miami

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Hong Kong v Inter Miami
Lionel Messi is featured in the publicity of the match
EventTatler XFEST friendly match
Hong Kong
Inter Miami
Hong Kong United States
1 4
Date4 February 2024 (2024-02-04)
VenueHong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, Hong Kong Island
Attendance38,417
Lionel Messi This article is part of a series about
Lionel Messi

Argentine professional footballer

Eponyms and public art

Media

Family

Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF[1] is a friendly football match between Hong Kong League XI and Inter Miami CF held in Hong Kong Stadium on 4 February 2024, during the American team's visit.

Inter Miami won the match by 4–1, but the no-show of Lionel Messi (

Cantonese: 美斯缺陣), football star of the visiting team, has enraged Hong Kong and Chinese fans and the Hong Kong government, most of which were gripped by Messi fever. With the Messi Mess or Messi's Mess (美斯之亂)[2] evolving into a diplomatic and political controversy, organiser Tatler Asia
, which heavily publicised the visit of Messi, eventually agreed to a half refund. Messi was also accused of anti-China sentiment and is placed at the centre of cultural and geopolitical tensions across China, the United States, Argentina, Japan and Hong Kong.

Background

Despite the Hong Kong government having revoked all pandemic restrictions in early 2023, few renowned celebrities have visited since. The imposition of national security law in 2020, the slowing growth of Chinese economy, and the slump of Hong Kong stock market which gave rise to the claims of "relic of global financial hub",[3][4] are said to have diminished the attractiveness of Hong Kong. The government therefore decided to boost the economy through mega events, in order to promote Hong Kong and stimulate spending of the public.[5]

Announcement

Pui Kwan-kay, President of Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), revealed in an interview on 9 February 2024 that Inter Miami had arranged to play a friendly match in Shanghai back in last November, but was unable to proceed due to the delay in obtaining permits. Since the organising Shanghai sports corporation had paid the deposit and the team had travel plans, intermediaries approached Pui expressing their desire for Hong Kong to take over the match. The rumoured appearance fee was US$10 million, and Shanghai had paid US$3 million. However, Pui said he unequivocally rejected the offer for the "astronomical" and "unrealistic" price. According to Pui, the match was later made possible by the Hong Kong Government, and was scheduled in 2024.[6]

Seen as one of the first mega events, Inter Miami CF announced in December 2023 that it will travel to Asia in the upcoming February for the club's first-ever international tour, and the team will play a match in Hong Kong on 4 February, taking on the Hong Kong Team, as part of the tour.[7] The tour would be organised by Tatler Asia, Asian edition of the British fashion magazine which had no prior experience in hosting sports events. Both Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who previously visited Hong Kong in 2014 and won the World Cup in 2022, and Uruguay footballer Luis Suárez are going to join the tour.[8][9]

Tatler Asia and Hong Kong officials promoted the event as the "world's top-level football match" and the most attractive sports event of the year in Hong Kong.[8] Chinese and southeast Asian tourists are expected to travel to Hong Kong for the friendly match, which would demonstrate the city's capability as "Events Capital of Asia".[8] Hong Kong culture minister Kevin Yeung said the government has provided a matching grant of $16 million through the M Mark event subsidy scheme and approved a range of support measures for Tatler Asia, including a venue hiring grant.[10][11]

Ticket sales began

Hong Kong Stadium, the hosting venue

Tickets of the match were open for sale in January 2024, with lowest cost at $800 and highest at $4,800, breaking the city's record as the most expensive football tickets. Nonetheless, with the reputation of Messi, whom Tatler Asia heavily advertised on, more than 2 million fans tried to buy the tickets online, and all tickets were sold out within an hour.[8][9] However, Tatler Asia were coy as to whether Messi will play in the exhibition match, claiming there is no deal in place and that "at the end of the day, it’s going to be the decision of the coach to decide who is going to play and for how long", which was disputed by a senior government source that there are "contract terms specifying that Messi would play in the match, save for illness or injury".[12]

Inter Miami took on Saudi Al Hilal SFC on 29 January and Al Nassr FC on 1 February.[13] Messi was substituted at 87th minute while playing against Al Hilal, and reportedly felt unwell afterwards and continued into the training on 31 January. He eventually played for 7 minutes as substitution at the match against Al Nassar because of requests under contract terms in spite of club's advice to rest for a few days. This has raised concern of his possible injuries in Hong Kong.[14]

Arrival and training

Arrival

After finishing the match in Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami's delayed flight touched down at Hong Kong International Airport at half past two in the afternoon local time on 2 February,[15] pushing the welcome ceremony back an hour. Apparently exhausted and under hot temperature, the squad, led by manager Gerardo Martino and joined by 23 footballers including Messi and Suárez, hopped on a bus after a photo session at the apron without answering reporters' questions,[16] despite the master of ceremonies asking them to stay for further formalities.[17] The group of children hoping to get the pictures with the football stars were left disappointed. Around ten minutes later, Hong Kong officials including sports commissioner Sam Wong arrived and took pictures with the waiting kids, Jorge Mas, owner of Inter Miami, and Michel Lamunière, CEO of Tatler Asia.[18] The team meanwhile stayed on the bus, and left the airport a few minutes later.

In the press conference later that afternoon, Martino said Messi felt a twinge in his hamstring and underwent an MRI earlier this week to assess the problem, and would wait until Saturday, the playing day, to decided if Messi could start the match and how much game time he would play, depending on his condition. Martino asserted that the aspiration is that Messi can play as many minutes as possible, but he will most certainly be on the pitch.[18]

Open training

Fans wear Messi jersey as Messi heat grips the city

Messi and his Inter Miami teammates took part in an open training session later that day,[19] joined by a record of 39,916 spectators,[20] with ticket price between HK$580 to HK$780.[21] Around 15,000 free tickets were distributed by the government, Laureus Sport for Good, and HKFA to grassroot community, students, youth and para athletes.[8] Greeted by the large crowd, Messi emerged 15 minutes after his teammates and waved at the fans. However, Messi and Suárez did not spent as much time on kicking a ball, as Messi did back stretching instead.[22][23]

David Beckham, the club's co-owner who arrived earlier than the team, also appeared and thanked those present for the "special welcome". He was stopped for a selfie by one of several pitch invaders, who brought the event to an early conclusion, with Miami players staying around for just 40 minutes rather than 90.[23]

The US club also took part in a coaching clinic for 80 local children, where Messi and Beckham were seen playing with the kids.[23][24]

Private events

Tatler Asia arranged 30-minute meet-and-greet session and autograph session of Inter Miami players, with the price at HK$150k and HK$120k respectively.

Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, and signed autographs for them.[26]

Match

Tatler XFEST friendly match
16:00 HKT (UTC+8)
Hong Kong Hong Kong League XI1–4United States Inter Miami CF
  • Anier 43'
 Report
Attendance: 38,417
Hong Kong
Inter Miami
1 Yapp Hung-fai (c) downward-facing red arrow HT'
3 Li Ngai-hoi downward-facing red arrow 68'
7 Ruslan Mingazow downward-facing red arrow HT'
8 Everton Camargo downward-facing red arrow HT'
9 Henri Anier downward-facing red arrow HT'
15 José Ángel downward-facing red arrow HT'
16 Chan Siu-kwan downward-facing red arrow HT'
17 Mikael downward-facing red arrow HT'
22 Timothy Chow downward-facing red arrow HT'
26 Oliver Gerbig downward-facing red arrow HT'
27 Marcos Gondra downward-facing red arrow HT'
Substitutes:
18 Pong Cheuk-hei upward-facing green arrow 84'
19 Tse Ka-wing upward-facing green arrow HT' downward-facing red arrow 84'
2 Calum Hall upward-facing green arrow HT'
4 Charlie Scott upward-facing green arrow HT'
5 Daniel Almazan upward-facing green arrow HT'
10 Lam Lok-hei upward-facing green arrow 84'
11 Cleiton upward-facing green arrow HT'
12 Mitchel Paulissen upward-facing green arrow HT'
13 Gil upward-facing green arrow HT' downward-facing red arrow 84'
14 Jakob Jantscher upward-facing green arrow HT'
20 Nassam Ibrahim upward-facing green arrow HT' downward-facing red arrow 84'
21 Jordan Lam upward-facing green arrow HT'
23 Mahama Awal upward-facing green arrow 84'
24 Ngan Cheuk-pan upward-facing green arrow 68'
Manager:
Jørn Andersen
13 CJ dos Santos
2 DeAndre Yedlin
6 Tomás Avilés downward-facing red arrow 88'
8 Leonardo Campana downward-facing red arrow 80'
16 Robert Taylor
24 Julian Gressel downward-facing red arrow 80'
26 Gregore (c)
27
Sergiy Kryvtsov
 downward-facing red arrow 31'
32 Noah Allen downward-facing red arrow 62'
41 David Ruiz downward-facing red arrow 62'
43 Lawson Sunderland downward-facing red arrow 80'
Substitutes:
1 Drake Callender
99 Cole Jensen
5 Sergio Busquets upward-facing green arrow 62'
9 Luis Suárez
10 Lionel Messi[a]
15 Ryan Sailor upward-facing green arrow 31'
18 Jordi Alba upward-facing green arrow 62'
42 Yannick Bright upward-facing green arrow 80'
49 Shanyder Borgelin upward-facing green arrow 80'
55 Tyler Hall upward-facing green arrow 88'
62 Israel Boatwright upward-facing green arrow 80'
Manager:
Gerardo Martino

In the Inter Miami's social media post, Messi was not included on the line-ups, while Suárez was listed as a substitute.[27] The HKFA's website and the team sheet signed by club staff and submitted to match officials, however, showed Messi listed on the team sheet as a substitute.[28][29]

Before match

Messi before match begins

At 12.30 p.m., three and a half hour before the scheduled start, the Hong Kong Stadium is open to spectators.[30] The match attracted 38,417 attendances,[29] while some media put the toll at 38,323.[31]

Players from both team entered the stadium at around 3 p.m. for warm-up, but Messi and Suárez were both missing.[31] Government ministers, including Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Kelvin Yeung, along with tycoons and celebrities were amongst the spectators.[32] Chief Executive John Lee was seen chatting with Beckham,[31] and so were actor Tony Leung and his actress wife Carina Lau who took photos with the club's owner. Anson Lo and Keung To from local boy group MIRROR performed three songs as the match was about to start.[31]

The line-up was announced at 3.55 p.m., whilst Messi and Suárez appeared and sat on substitutes benches.[31]

Match details

Match ended with 4–1 victory handed to Inter Miami

The match began at 4.07 p.m.. In the 40th minute Taylor feinted to his left from the corner of the box and fired a curling strike past the goalkeeper to open the scoring for Inter Miami. Just three minutes later Hong Kong equalised just before halftime with a goal by Anier. In the second half, Sunderland latched onto the square pass from the defender and reclaimed the lead in the 50th minute, followed by Campana receiving a pass in the box from Sunderland and scorings six minutes later. In the 62nd minute former Barcelona players Alba and Busquets joined the playing field. The final goal was scored in the 85th minute when Sailor flicked a header into the net, concluding the proceedings with a 1–4 result.[33]

Messi, Suárez benched

Messi and other players sat on bench

As many of the fans bought the ticket solely to see the superstar playing,[34] chants of "Messi" could be heard throughout the match.[32] But as it became clear that Messi would not make even the appearance, the boos and chants of "refund" (回水; Cantonese Yale: wùih shúi, Jyutping: wui4 seui2; lit. 'return money') in Cantonese became louder during the last 10 minutes while some left early. The jeers rose to a crescendo at the final whistle after Suarez also failed to take to the pitch because of a knee injury.[35] Eventually Messi and Suárez both sit out the friendly match, while Messi, wearing trousers only, was reported to have entered the dressing room during the halftime.[31]

G.E.M. and Beckham after match

Trophy was later presented to the visiting team, whilst boos and jeers continued to greet the players.[36] Messi was standing at the back during photo taking, and went straight to the dressing room afterwards.[37] Beckham thanked Hongkongers for their "incredible welcome", and "look forward to coming back one day to entertain you even more". His speech was drowned by boos despite the announcer's urge for respect. When he toured around to thank the fans, he signed an autograph for a fan that invaded the pitch and took a selfie.[38] The match was brought to a close by local pop star G.E.M. with hymn Amazing Grace and a Spanish version of her song Gloria,[36] but that did not calm the frustration.[39] Fans took their anger out on some of the advertising around the stadium, with Messi's head torn off one display.[36]

Gerardo Martino in press conference

Martino attended the press conference after the match and was apologetic. He thanked Hongkongers for their openness and that the team has been treated very well. But the coach defended the decision of not sending Messi and Suárez as there was no chance they could play. "We understand fans are very disappointed and we ask for their forgiveness. We wish we could have sent them on the pitch for a while to play, but the risk was too big."[40][36] He added Messi has muscle inflammation, and Suárez was not in condition due to swollen knee after the previous match in Saudi Arabia. Martino stressed it is the decision of the medical team made in the morning after checking their physical situation, and they also had to consider the obligations with the upcoming Major League Soccer.[41]

Reaction

The Hong Kong Government issued the first statement at 7.32 p.m., about an hour after the match ended.

Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organiser's arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation.

It also said the match was awarded "M" Mark status, a matching grant of HK$15 million, and a grant for venue of HK$1 million by the Major Sports Events Committee. The committee will take follow-up actions with the organiser, which includes "reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match".[42] It was followed by another Government's statement a few hours later criticising the organiser of failing to provide a detailed explanation promptly, and Messi for not explaining his absence, and "the way that the organiser and Inter Miami CF handled the situation could not meet the expectations of the fans who showed strong support to Messi, especially those visitors who came all the way here for the match."[43]

Later that day, Tatler Asia also expressed "extreme disappointment" over Messi's absence in a statement, but clarified that "despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation".[44] The hotel where Inter Miami stayed was cordoned off by the police to prevent storming by furious fans.[45]

Departure and Japan trip

Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami in 2023

Speculations on whether the final overseas leg of the tour would continue grew after a scheduled fixture against Japanese side Vissel Kobe was removed from Apple TV's schedule.[46] MLS later clarified that the removal was due to logistical difficulties.[47] Inter Miami concluded the Hong Kong trip on 5 February, leaving Hong Kong in the afternoon after the planned visit of Kai Tak Sports Park was cancelled.[48] The convoy touched down in Tokyo later that day. Messi was seen more amiable than in Hong Kong.[49] Messi said in a press conference that "muscle discomfort" had made it difficult for him to play and he hoped to return to Hong Kong "whenever he can".[50] He added he felt "much better" in Japan comparing to the past days.[51]

The truth is that it was bad luck that I couldn’t be present on the day of the match in Hong Kong. In the first game of the tour in Saudi Arabia I felt discomfort in my adductor and that’s why I left the match. In the second game I played the minutes I played to test myself, to see what sensations I had and how I felt because I had an MRI done and the results showed that I had swelling in the adductor, but there was no injury. That’s why I tried. Then we went to Hong Kong and we were in the open training and I was present because of the number of people there and because there was also a clinic with kids and I wanted to be present and participate. But the truth is that the discomfort was still there and it made it very difficult for me to play. Unfortunately, it is something that happens in football, in any game it can happen that we get injured. It happened to me and I couldn’t be in the game in Hong Kong and it's a shame because I always want to participate, I want to be there, and even more so when it comes to these types of games where we traveled so far and people were so excited to watch us play. I hope we can return and we can play another game in Hong Kong and I can be present as I do whenever I can, but the truth is that it is a shame that I was not able to participate.[52]

Noevir Stadium, the home of Vissel Kobe

Messi eventually joined the open training on the next day.[53] The fixture went on as planned at night on 7 February. Suárez was at the starting lineup. Messi came on in the 60th minute and played for over 30 minutes, with his every touch being loudly applauded during his half-hour of the game.[54] Vissel Kobe won by 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out which Messi did not take part.[55]

Messi posted on Weibo later that night in Chinese and Spanish.[56]

Hello to all my fans in mainland China and Hong Kong! As I said in the press conference, it was a real shame not to be able to play in Hong Kong the other day due to a groin injury that had swollen and I was in pain. Anyone who knows me knows that I always want to play, that's what I always want, to do my best in any game. And especially in these games when we travel so far and fans are excited to see us attend the game healthily. Hopefully we can come back and play a game in Hong Kong. And I also hope to return to China as soon as possible and greet you all.

Government's role

Contract requirements

Timeline of Messi's absence (events not publicly known at the time italicised)
Time Events
11 January Tatler Asia: line-up to be decided by Inter Miami coach
2 February Inter Miami: to decide if Messi can play on 4 February
4 February
Before match Team Sheet: Messi listed as substitutes
Sports minister: Tatler Asia confirmed Messi to play in second half
3.45 p.m. Tatler Asia: was told Messi likely to stay on bench
4.05 p.m. Inter Miami: Messi confirmed not listed as substitutes
5.00 p.m. Tatler Asia: was told Messi to stay on bench
5.50 p.m. Sports minister: Tatler Asia said Messi to stay on bench
6 p.m. Match ended
After match Tatler Asia: no information on Messi's absence

Confirming earlier media sources, Kevin Yeung on 5 February said Tatler Asia's contract with the government required Messi to play for at least 45 minutes, unless he was ill or injured, and the organiser had told the government before the match that Messi would play in the second half of the game.[57] Some sources added Messi was required to receive the trophy and speak to fans as captain.[37] However, just 10 minutes before the game ended, Tatler Asia confirmed Messi would stay on the bench. Officials then immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy. Yeung added that officials had not had direct contact with Inter Miami, and had no idea of the severity of Messi's injuries or about the decision to leave him on the bench.[57]

The Government is said to have invited Messi to tour the Victoria Harbour and Kai Tak Sports Park for HK$1 million in order to promote Hong Kong, but was rejected by Inter Miami well before the friendly match.[17]

Kenneth Fok, the MP for the sports constituency, issued a statement condemning Tatler and Inter Miami, believing that both of them are responsible and to issue an apology to the fans when the latter had received high remuneration.[58]

In a six-minute press conference on 5 the same day,[59] Chairman of Tatler Asia Michel Lamunière said the contract agreement signed by Tatler and Inter Miami includes clauses to require Messi and Suarez to play in the match unless they are injured, and both were included in the official team sheet signed by Gerardo Martino before the match and that "showed Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as substitutes and therefore fit to play". He said the club informed Tatler at half-time that Messi would be unable to play due to an injury, and the company immediately informed the government and urged Inter Miami to "instruct Messi to address the fans, to no avail".[60] While early speculation claims the contract only committed "famous players" without naming Messi or Suárez,[17] Tatler Asia said "Inter Miami had committed under contract that all of their marquee players – Messi, Alba, Busquets and Suárez – would be required to play for 45 minutes unless injured".[61]

HKFA was later criticised as well after reports emerged the Association agreed to let Tatler Asia sign a "non-compulsory" contract that does not force Messi to play at a lower price, unlike the one signed with Vissel Kobe which was a mandatory requirement for Messi to appear.[62]

Tatler Asia is the organiser of the friendly match

Lamunière changed his narrative during an interview with The Athletic on 15 February. Contrary to the statement released a day after the match, he said "he had only discovered Messi would not play 15 minutes before the start of the game", and the rest of the first half "was spent trying to find solutions for Messi to play, talking, and moving around the pitch." Under the contract, Busquets and Alba also had to play a minimum of 45 minutes unless injured, yet the latter two arrived on the hour mark during the second half. Lamunière did not directly respond if this constituted a breach of agreement. He later clarified that he heard "a possible problem and that the [Inter Miami] medical staff were working on Messi in the hope he could still play".[63]

"M" Mark funding

Lamunière also announced on 5 February the withdrawal of the application for government's funds, and expressed deep regret over the disappointment of the fans and the disappointing ending. In response, Yeung reasserted giving up government funding had not entirely resolved the matter, and "the organiser should deal with consumers' demands". He said the funds had not yet been given to Tatler Asia.[57] However, he admitted the authorities did not scrutinise the contract between Inter Miami and Talter Asia as "business secrets" do not require government's attention.[64]

John Lee said that he has directed the ministry to seriously review the Messi row and the "M" mark application procedures, including official's role and responsibilities in promoting future mega events, such as to require organisers submitting contingency plans and communicating updates as soon as possible.[64]

Under Major Sports Events Application Guidelines, vetting procedures for applications of new "M" Mark events will take 6 months to complete under normal circumstances.[65] But Beckham has only sealed the deal to bring Inter Miami to Hong Kong in around early December,[66] meaning the approval of government's funding only took one and a half month.[67] Wilfred Ng, chairman of Major Sports Events Committee, confirmed "there will be special arrangements for large-scale events" as members had considered the player line-up and the potential boost to Hong Kong's economy and to sports development.[68] Ng added the consideration was also based on the 45-minute playing requirement in the contract and had no knowledge over the communication between Tatler Asia and Inter Miami.[69]

Refund

Angry fans protested as Messi returned to dressing room

Tatler Asia's VIP bundles, priced at HK$150k, includes VIP ticket for the match and meet-and-great session, along with limited merchandise. In addition, various souvenir gifts such as scarfs and jackets were sold during the training and the match.[25] The total income of Tatler Asia, covering sponsorships and ticket fees, is believed to surpass HK$132 million, including HK$11 million from the open training session.[70][71] Under the contract, Tatler Asia had paid Inter Miami HK$50 million for their appearance.[72]

Under pressure that the withdrawal of government funding is insufficient,[71] Tatler Asia announced a 50% refund to fans who purchased tickets through "official channels" on 9 February, with details to be provided in March. It comes after a closed-door meeting between Tatler Asia and authorities, at which the latter suggested a half refund according to media sources. The organiser again apologised to the fans who were disappointed by the football match "that we had hoped to be the pride of the city, and which we have worked very hard on for months, has become the source of great heartbreak". The unaudited figures estimated the refund could cost them HK$56 million, resulting in a net loss of HK$43 million.[73] The group said they invited the Consumer Council to participate in the talks, and will not escape the responsibilities.[61]

The Consumer Council received at least 1,465 complaints, including 302 from tourists, and the average amount of money involved in each case is HK$6,900, with the most expensive one involving HK$92,000.[74] The Customs received 360 complaints and had set up a team to assess the claims. It also said appropriate enforcement action will be taken if violation of Trade Descriptions Ordinance is discovered.[75]

Details were announced by Tatler Asia on 18 March, with those who purchased the tickets through ticketing platform Klook will receive an email notification and will have to reply to the email to accept the terms and conditions of the refund. Refunds will be processed within 30 days from the 12 April deadline. In response, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said it is "a responsible move" which shows the organiser's positive and committed attitude to resolve the matter.[76] However, Tatler Asia earlier said people must agree to drop any further legal complaints or claims before collecting refund. Consumer Council replied that consumers need not to dropping the complaints to them for the refund, but reminded those who paid using electronic payment systems might need to drop any complaints filed with their banks, and anyone who bought tickets from a secondary source or a scalper might not qualify for a refund.[75]

Political storm

With the government involved in the widespread publicity of the match and the support given to the organiser, and after the Messi Mess was widely reported by foreign media, Hong Kong's ability to stand as the "Events Capital" is under the spotlight.[77][78] Pro-Beijing legislator Michael Tien said the chaos had damaged the city's reputation,[77] and former Financial Secretary John Tsang also worried the political storm could unavoidably harm the reputation.[79] The debacle continued to swell throughout the week,[73] with anti-China allegations and conspiracy theories on the rise, such as accusing Tatler Asia of having knowledge over Messi's anticipated absence.[80]

Conspiracy theories

External videos
video icon Messi avoided shaking hands with Chief Executive John Lee

In 2017, Messi sent his signed photo to his follower Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize Chinese laureate, through Howard Lam, a Hong Kong Democratic Party member.[81] His actions were considered to be a support to Liu after knowing he was jailed for subversion.[82] As for this friendly match, Messi avoided shaking hands with Hong Kong officials. He did not follow the team and walked past John Lee, who was sanctioned by the United States for "undermining Hong Kong's Autonomy"[83] during the prize presentation, and only stood at the corner while taking photos.[50][84]

Furthermore, the significant contrast between Messi's performance in Hong Kong and Japan, just three days after, sparked attention from Hong Kong media and officials.[85] Many speculated that Messi was not injured prior.[86][87][88][89]

Despite of the two explanations, commentators were still unconvinced, slamming him as a "two-faced person", and "get out of here”.[90]

Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau urged Tatler Asia and Inter Miami to provide a reasonable explanation on why Messi was fit to play in Japan, which he was seen "actively playing in Japan, engaging in intense physical activities on the field for a considerable amount of time". The Bureau added Hongkongers have many questions regarding this situation. Tatler Asia said "the fact that Messi and Suárez played in Japan on February 7th feels like another slap in the face".[50]

An editorial on Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times criticised Inter Miami's and Messi's explanation for remaining on the bench as "not convincing", and urged the team to come up with a "reasonable explanation". It also warned of possible "political motives" that is not possible to be entirely dismissed.[50]

There is a lot of speculation about the true underlying reasons. One theory suggests that there might be political motives behind their actions, as Hong Kong intends to develop its mega-event based economy, and external forces deliberately seek to embarrass Hong Kong.

John Lee is seen in prize giving ceremony but Messi is not at front row

Regina Ip, Executive Council convenor, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) "Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter Miami, and the 'black hand'[b] behind them, for the deliberate and calculated snub to Hong Kong". Ip added Hong Kong should never allow Messi to visit again. She admitted of having no hard evidence over foreign interference in the Messi Mess, "but Messi behaved as though he was under some political directive not to play, not to shake hands with Hong Kong’s CE, not to speak, or smile or wave to Hong Kong’s fans. He apologised in Tokyo. Why not in Hong Kong?"[50] Hu Xijin, former editor of Global Times, question Messi of not playing in Hong Kong or shaking hands with John Lee, "and why did he smile, run freely and looked fit in Japan?".[90]

Inter Miami reiterated that it was sorry Messi did not play, but added that injuries were "unfortunately a part of the beautiful game", and it is no one's fault that players get injured in football.[90]

Another conspiracy theory singled out Inter Miami's Cuban-American co-owner Jorge Mas, which was linked to hawkish former President Ronald Reagan. Some judged this relationship and concluded "Messi’s behavior in Hong Kong is really not an individual act" and US-related involvement cannot be ruled out. Some pro-Beijing mouthpieces including Ta Kung Pao implied a connection between the incident and the Central Intelligence Agency via Mas' late father, Jorge Mas Canosa, who in the 1960s was trained by the CIA for the Bay of Pigs Invasion.[91]

Online Chinese nationalists, dubbed Little Pink, flocked to Messi's Instagram and Weibo account, Chinese social media, launching a barrage of hostility. One message read: "China does not welcome dwarves like you and please tell your Argentina football fans that the Falkland Islands belongs to England."[63] Similar comments were found as well in the Weibo account of Argentine Embassy.[92]

Messi posted a two-minute Spanish video on 19 February, telling fans that it was "totally untrue" that he sat out the match for political reasons, and reiterated that he had been suffering from inflamed leg muscles. He also sent "good wishes to everyone in China who I've always had special affection for".[93]

I've had a very close and special relationship with China. I've done lots of things in China: interviews, games and events. I've also been there and played many times for FC Barcelona and the [Argentinian] national team.

Aftermath

Argentina were scheduled to play two friendly internationals in Match, against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. But on 9 February, Hangzhou sports authorities said the match is cancelled in view of the "current well-known reasons", and "conditions to hold the friendly match are not mature". Beijing followed on the next day, announcing that Beijing "currently has no plans to host relevant competitions in which Messi will participate".[94] The Chinese Football Association temporarily halted its partnership with the Argentine Football Association over the incident.[95]

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV Sports Channel replaced frames of Messi winning the World Cup in a television programme with Philipp Lahm's victory in 2014,[96] but that was removed as well as Lahm had previously criticised China's and Qatar's human rights problems and urged athletes in democratic countries to reveal their political stance.[97] A Messi commercial was taken off air,[96] while others remained despite of pressure from Chinese social media users.[98][99][100]

Notes

  1. ^ Not included on the list provided by Inter Miami
  2. 2019 Hong Kong protests

References

  1. ^ "Government response to media enquiries relating to Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF". Hong Kong Government. 2024-02-04. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  2. ^ Lu Stout, Kristie [@klustout] (February 4, 2024). "From Messi Mania to messy dismay… A no show on the pitch for Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi angered fans in #HongKong who broke out with cheers of "Where is MessI" and "Refund Refund Refund."" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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