Messi match organiser Tatler urged by Hong Kong’s John Lee to disclose deal with Inter Miami, address demands of fans
- Chief Executive John Lee says authorities will continue to follow up on the incident even after organiser Tatler Asia withdrew application for HK$16 million in funding
- Video clips posted online show Lionel Messi taking part in training session at Japan National Stadium ahead of friendly match
Hong Kong’s leader redoubled his call for the organiser of Inter Miami’s preseason friendly to disclose details of its deal with the US football club and address the demands of disappointed fans after superstar Lionel Messi sat out the game despite officials’ advice.
Messi, who has travelled to Japan with his team, revealed on Tuesday he had fluid trapped in his thigh muscle that had caused swelling, which was why he could not play in Hong Kong. But video clips posted online showed him taking part in a training session at the Japan National Stadium in the afternoon ahead of a friendly match.
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How Lionel Messi’s Hong Kong visit went from cheers to jeers and anger
“It is, of course, very undesirable and extremely disappointing for this to happen in such a way that the public expectation of Messi showing up and playing in the match did not materialise,” Lee said.
“We will keep on urging the organiser to explain to the public in detail what actually happened, what were the details of the agreement between them and the [Inter Miami] team, and also why, in the course of the communication of the government, despite all the suggestions and demands made by the government, nothing materialised.”
Spectators, many of whom had spent large sums to watch Messi in action, booed and chanted “refund” after the Argentine star did not play at all the match against a Hong Kong XI.
Lee said suggestions made by officials during the match included having Messi – whose appearance on the pitch was heavily promoted before the game – address the fans in person to explain why he was unable to play.