Few names in soccer stir as intense a sensation as eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. However, the Argentinian footballer's absence from a recent match in Hong Kong has sparked outrage in China and led to calls for boycotts online.
Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi reacts during the second half of the friendly football match between Inter Miami of the US's Major League Soccer League and Vissel Kobe of Japan's J-League at the National Stadium in Tokyo on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
Messi's No-Show Sparks Massive Outrage in China
Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, failed to show up for a friendly match against a Hong Kong XI. Fans eagerly awaited his appearance, but their excitement turned to disappointment when Messi remained on the bench, apparently injured.
Times reports that Kenneth Fok, a Hong Kong sports lawmaker, along with other Chinese personalities and sports fans, slammed Messi and his club for disrespecting local fans. The sentiment spread across Chinese social media platforms, with Weibo flooded with criticism for what many saw as a snub to Chinese supporters.
Comparisons were drawn between Messi's demeanor in Hong Kong and his behavior in Japan, where he expressed a desire to play in a friendly match despite his injury. This stark contrast fueled even more frustration among Chinese fans, with one commentator saying, "Smiling in Japan but sulking in China, what can I say?"
The controversy went beyond sports, inciting nationalist sentiments in China. Calls for boycotts flared online, with calls for Chinese brands to cut ties with Messi getting louder. Even the former editor-in-chief of China's Global Times questioned Messi's actions and called for an apology to Chinese fans.
Why didn’t Messi play in Hong Kong or participate in the handshake with HK chief executive?
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) February 6, 2024
And why did he smile, run freely and looked fit in Japan?⚽️
Many Chinese fans bought high-priced tickets&went to HK specifically for Messi. They deserve a formal explanation & apology. pic.twitter.com/uBcAyqa302
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Dismayed Fans Echo Frustrations Online
The fallout went beyond outrage. Inter Miami faced backlash, with hundreds of users flooding social media platforms to express their dismay with the organization. The pushback even resulted in the forfeiture of millions of dollars in government funding for the event.
"Cancel Messi already," one user quipped online. "Surely there are more important people to admire and get excited about than this rude, overpaid dude who thinks he is god's gift for kicking a football around," the user added.
Despite attempts to clarify the situation, including explanations from Inter Miami manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino, dissatisfaction persisted. The Hong Kong government expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the impact on eager fans and tourists who had come to see Messi's skills.
Inter Miami's preseason tour continues, with another match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Messi's participation remains uncertain. While he expressed hope for future matches in Hong Kong, his availability is uncertain, leaving fans and organizers waiting.
According to CNN, Lionel Messi has already expressed regret on Tuesday for being unable to play in a friendly match in Hong Kong.
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