In a special press conference held in Tokyo, Lionel Messi provided much-awaited explanations regarding his absence from Inter Miami’s recent friendly match in Hong Kong, which left thousands of fans disappointed. The event saw a massive turnout of 38,323 spectators, many of whom had paid over 1,000 Hong Kong dollars for a chance to see the football legend in action. Despite expectations, Messi remained on the bench without playing a minute, alongside fellow star Luis Suarez, sparking widespread discontent among the audience.
Fan Disappointment and Messi’s Response
The atmosphere at the stadium turned sour as fans repeatedly chanted “We want Messi” during the second half, eventually resorting to demands for refunds when it became apparent the Argentine would not participate. The situation escalated further when attempts by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham to express gratitude were met with jeers and negative gestures from the crowd.
Addressing the controversy, Messi expressed regret over the turn of events. “The truth is that it was bad luck that I couldn’t [play] on the day of the Hong Kong match,” he stated, acknowledging his physical discomfort that prevented him from taking the field. “Discomfort continued and it was very difficult for me to play,” Messi added, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports injuries and his personal disappointment at not being able to fulfill fans’ expectations.
Despite his absence in Hong Kong, Messi made clear his eagerness to return to play, referencing his condition improvement ahead of a match against Vissel Kobe. “I feel much better and I really want to be able to do it,” he remarked, indicating his readiness to overcome the setback.
While Messi’s non-appearance was a letdown for many, Inter Miami managed to secure a convincing 4-1 victory in Hong Kong. Messi, on his part, participated for 30 minutes in the subsequent friendly in Tokyo, although he could not steer his team to a win in the penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
The press conference served as a rare opportunity for Messi to directly address fans’ frustrations, offering transparency on the circumstances that led to his unfortunate absence and reaffirming his commitment to the game and its supporters worldwide.
