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Hong Kong government demanded an explanation from Inter Miami after their star player Lionel Messi got featured against Vissel Kobe. Inter-Miami found themselves in hot waters during their pre-season tour of Asia after Messi didn’t appear in the friendly against Hong Kong XI. The 2022 World Cup-winning captain was contractually bound to do so, but due to the hamstring injury, he was rested during the game.
The game saw Inter Miami securing a 4-1 victory over a Hong Kong XI at the Hong Kong Stadium. However, the game was mired by controversy and fans booed the MLS side and demanded refunds due to Messi’s absence. It prompted the government to demand an explanation from the visitors. The fire ignited after Messi’s presence in their MLS side’s clash against Japanese side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.
The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong expressed their disappointment at Messi’s appearance in the Japanese fixture. The government released a statement that read, “However three days later, Messi was able to play actively and freely in Japan..the government hopes the organisers and teams can provide reasonable explanations."
Notably, Inter Miami’s pre-season tour ended with the Herons being able to secure just one win in six games. Their pre-season tour started with a draw against El Salvador, which was followed by a loss against Dallas, Al Hilal, and Al-Nassr. Miami then went on to register a win over Hong Kong, but the happiness was short-lived as they went on to lose their clash against Vissel Kobe. In their last friendly, they will lock horns against Newell’s Old Boys.
