- Written by Nicholas Yong
- BBC News, Singapore
image source, Getty Images
Lionel Messi was on the bench for the entire 90 minutes of the Hong Kong friendly match.
Lionel Messi played in a friendly against Japan after missing a match in Hong Kong, leaving Chinese fans upset and sparking conspiracy theories.
State media Global Times accused the soccer player and his club Inter Miami of being “politically motivated” in trying to “embarrass” Hong Kong.
Messi remained on the bench throughout Sunday’s match in China’s Special Administrative Region due to injury.
Wednesday’s game in Tokyo led some fans to question whether he was injured.
Too bad he couldn’t play in the Hong Kong friendly – Messi
Just last year, Messi received a rock star welcome in Beijing when he represented his country in a friendly against Australia. Approximately 68,000 fans paid up to $680 for the chance to see him play. He is also a spokesperson for major Chinese brands such as Huawei, Chery, Tencent, Mengniu, Chishuihejiu, and J&T Express.
Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Kevin Yong said government officials had been repeatedly briefed that Messi would play. However, with 10 minutes remaining in the game, he was informed that he would not be able to play due to a torn adductor muscle in his hamstring.
“We immediately asked them to consider other remedies, such as having Messi appear on the field, interact with the fans and receive the trophy,” Yong said.
“Unfortunately, as you can see, this didn’t work out.”
The territory’s chief executive, John Lee, said he was extremely disappointed by Messi’s absence and asked match organizers for an explanation.
Other officials, such as Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Yip, were also furious, claiming that “Hong Kongers hate Messi, Inter Miami and the black hands behind them,” adding that “it’s deliberate and calculated.” He claimed to have been disrespectful.
He added: “Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting.”
image source, Getty Images
Lionel Messi plays in Japan’s friendly against Vissel Kobe, infuriating Chinese fans
Match organizer Tatler Asia said in a statement that Messi had a contract to play unless injured. Furthermore, he added that he would withdraw his application for a HK$16 million government subsidy. The match was designated as a major sporting event, allowing organizers to receive government funding.
On the same day as the friendly against Japan, Messi said he “regrets” not being able to play in Hong Kong due to a “swollen and painful” groin injury. “I hope he will have the opportunity to come back someday and give his best to his fans and friends in Hong Kong,” he said in a televised press conference.
His post on Chinese social media network Weibo explaining why he was unable to play in Hong Kong has so far received about 142,000 comments. While some people supported him, many reacted angrily, calling Argentines “crooks” and “trash.” Others accused the Argentine players of just wanting to pander to the Japanese and make money from Chinese fans.
One netizen said, “There’s no need to apologize. Please don’t come to China again. Just because you’re good at soccer doesn’t mean you’re a good person.”
Additional reporting by BBC Monitoring