Fans left disappointed as Lionel Messi gives autograph hunters a body-swerve
Stars breeze past local Argentina supporters at Hong Kong Airport
Argentina's star-studded national soccer squad arrived in Hong Kong last night for their match with the Hong Kong national side tomorrow night.
The world No 2 team was invited to the city by the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), which is celebrating its centennial anniversary.
The friendly game with the South Americans, headed by new coach Gerardo Martino, kicks off at Hong Kong Stadium at 8pm tomorrow. Argentina guaranteed that at least 15 players from their World Cup squad will show up.
Captain and Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi is expected to top the line-up, and his teammate, Manchester United right winger Angel Di Maria, will also excite many soccer fans.
Pupil Jack Poon, 15, got to the airport 2½ hours before the team was due to arrive. "I was so excited I couldn't sleep last night," he said. "I came early as I thought there would be lots of fans. I want Sergio Aguero to sign my new Argentina jersey. I also brought his Manchester City one."
Also at the airport and waving an Argentinian flag were Alex Chan Ka-ki, 36, and Toni Wong Chi-chung, 24, both members of the local Argentina fan club. "I've been supporting them for 28 years since the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona was the star," Chan said. "I'm so excited they're coming. I got a friend to help me write a message in Spanish to tell Messi I've been to Barcelona and want his autograph."