Argentina’s friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast in China in March may be rescheduled amid ongoing controversy over Lionel Messi’s controversial no-show in Hong Kong.
The world champions were due to embark on a tour of Asia during FIFA in March, but Messi’s non-appearance during Inter Miami’s recent visit to Hong Kong meant that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) decided to move on to other tournaments. I was forced to consider the location.
AFA announced in January that Argentina would play Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. But then the political situation in China turned against Messi.
This was revealed by an AFA official familiar with the situation. The Athletic On Friday, the federation announced it had no formal plans to cancel the match in China and talks were continuing to play the same opponents elsewhere.
The Hong Kong government expressed disappointment after Messi did not play against the Hong Kong Eleven last Sunday. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the match due to an adductor injury. On Wednesday, Messi played 30 minutes in Tokyo’s match against Vissel Kobe, which was deemed a “deliberate and calculated disrespect” by the Hong Kong government.
“However, three days later, Messi was able to play actively and freely in Japan…The government hopes that the organizers and the team will provide a reasonable explanation.”
Promoter Tatler Asia, which organized the match in Hong Kong, said in a statement that the 40,000 fans who attended last Sunday’s match against Inter Miami were entitled to a 50% refund. Inter Miami will play another friendly against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s childhood club, in Fort Lauderdale on February 15th.
The MLS regular season begins in six days, with Inter Miami taking on Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium.
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(Philip Fung/AFP via Getty Images)