Messi Addresses No-Show at Inter Miami Match Amidst Fan Disapproval
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, has recently addressed the controversy surrounding his absence from a friendly match between Inter Miami and a Hong Kong XI. The match, held in Hong Kong, saw thousands of disappointed fans as Messi sat on the bench for the entirety of the game. The fans expressed their disapproval through chants and boos, even during the trophy presentation.
The absence of Messi prompted the Hong Kong government to release a statement, with the secretary for culture, sports, and tourism expressing that Messi was expected to play for 45 minutes. However, Messi has now spoken up and defended his decision, stating that he always wants to play, especially in games where fans have traveled long distances to see him. He acknowledged that unfortunate circumstances can arise in football, preventing players from participating in a game.
Interestingly, the disappointment of the fans extended beyond Messi’s absence. When the substitutes from Inter Miami made their way onto the pitch, they too were met with boos from the crowd. Even club co-owner David Beckham, who thanked the supporters during a post-match speech, did not escape the jeers.
Although Inter Miami suffered a heavy defeat in their previous friendly against Al Nassr, Messi’s absence was not solely due to tactics or team selection. A scan revealed that Messi had some swelling in his hamstring, which led to caution from the team’s medical staff. However, Messi has stated that he feels a lot better and may feature in their next friendly against Vissel Kobe.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s pre-season preparations will conclude with a match against Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys. This match will serve as their final test before kicking off the new campaign at home against Real Salt Lake. After finishing 14th last year, the team is determined to make a significant improvement this season.
Despite the controversy surrounding Messi’s absence from the friendly in Hong Kong, it is important to recognize his contributions to Inter Miami. In his debut season, Messi scored 11 goals in 14 appearances and played a crucial role in the team’s Leagues Cup triumph, which marked their first-ever trophy win.
While the disappointment of fans in Hong Kong is understandable, it is essential to remember that unforeseen circumstances can prevent even the greatest players from participating in a game. Messi’s dedication to returning and playing a game in Hong Kong demonstrates his commitment to his fans around the world. As Inter Miami prepares for the upcoming season, they will undoubtedly be counting on Messi’s talents to lead them to success once again.