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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 20: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 looks at a teammate after a failed scoring opportunity during the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: SEP 20 MLS, Fussball Herren, USA – Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230920050
via Imago
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – SEPTEMBER 20: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 looks at a teammate after a failed scoring opportunity during the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: SEP 20 MLS, Fussball Herren, USA – Inter Miami CF vs Toronto FC EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230920050
Lionel Messi was quick to address his absence in the game against Hong Kong XI. Following the match, La Pulga said, “I hope we can return and we can play another game and I can be present.” However, it seems not everyone shares the same sentiments. Following the Hong Kong Government’s statement, a person of power in the city has lashed out at the Inter Miami playmaker and even demanded a petition against him. What’s going on?
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Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting.
— Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee (@ReginaIplau) February 7, 2024
It’s not just Lionel Messi, but famed striker Luis Suarez didn’t play a single minute as well. Hence, the fans were quite frustrated, and this even prompted a response from the Hong Kong Government. Their statement read, “The Government is extremely disappointed with the organizer’s arrangement, as are the fans, for Messi not being able to play in today’s exhibition match.”
While neither the government nor Regina Ip has taken any action against the organizers, the fans had a different idea. In fact, complaints worth over $700,000 were filed against Tatler Asia, the match organizer.
Lionel Messi’s absence sparked 824 complaints that led to decisive action by Tatler Asia!
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Following the match, the Hong Kong Consumer Council is said to have received 824 complaints worth around $714,000. The government also added to the pressure by demanding a ‘reasonable explanation’ from the organizer. Hence, Tatler Asia announced that they would be refunding 50% of the ticket prices to fans. Notably, ahead of the match, head coach Tata Martino had assured that Lionel Messi would feature. This led to tickets being sold out within minutes. The coach also took his share of the responsibility as well.
Following the match, Martino apologized to the fans for the absence of Messi & Suarez. Owner David Beckham, who was in attendance, was booed by the fans as well. Notably, Inter Miami has yet to publicly respond to the backlash.
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Is the criticism against Inter Miami justified? Tell us in the comments below.
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