Inter Miami emerged victorious with a resounding 4-1 win over Hong Kong XI, even in the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar took the opportunity to address both the media and fans following the match, shedding light on the reason behind his non-participation. Messi expressed his disappointment at being unable to join the game, referring to it as a ‘regrettable’ circumstance.
The match took place at Hong Kong Stadium, drawing an impressive crowd of nearly 40,000 spectators. The absence of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner left the locals feeling disheartened. Messi, due to a minor hamstring injury, spent the entire match on the bench. This decision led to furious fans demanding refunds from the club owner and resorting to vandalizing Messi’s posters and cutouts.
The controversy surrounding Messi’s absence escalated, attracting criticism from the government. In response, the former Barcelona forward decided to address the situation through a press conference on Sky Sports. Messi attributed his inability to play in the Hong Kong match to his injury, expressing regret for missing out on the opportunity to participate. He acknowledged the excitement and support of the fans, expressing hope for another chance to take the field.
Although Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team have now moved on to Japan, where they are set to face Vissel Kobe, it remains uncertain whether Messi will be able to participate in the game. Despite being seen training with the team, his involvement in the upcoming match is still up in the air.
Emotions ran high as Lionel Messi reunited with his former Barcelona teammate during Inter Miami’s pre-season trip to Japan. They were joined by other former Barca players, including , , and . All of them, along with Barcelona manager Xavi, were integral members of the club’s golden generation in the 2010s. Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, Barcelona reigned supreme in Europe, securing numerous major trophies. Presently, Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets showcase their skills for the MLS team Inter Miami, which is owned by David Beckham. Iniesta, on the other hand, currently plays for UAE’s Emirates FC after spending five seasons in Japan with Kobe.