Published5. February 2024, 1:54 p.m
Inter Miami: Boos and demands for millions: huge anger over Messi in Hong Kong
Inter Miami traveled to Hong Kong for a friendly. Because Lionel Messi remained on the bench for 90 minutes, the fans and the Hong Kong government reacted angrily.
von
Whistles for Messi and Co. in Miami.
X/
-
Inter Miami played a friendly in Hong Kong.
-
However, superstar Lionel Messi was not used.
-
This makes the fans mad.
“We want Messi,” was what rang out from the stands at the friendly match between a Hong Kong team and Inter Miami. Numerous fans in the stands were furious that Messi only sat on the bench for 90 minutes during the guest appearance.
After the final whistle, fans’ frustration turned to anger as boos erupted from the stands. Miami co-owner David Beckham was also booed when he tried in vain to thank the club for the “incredible support.”
Government demands money back
“The government and all football fans are extremely disappointed that Messi was unable to play in the game or give an explanation to the fans in person upon request,” the government of the Chinese Special Administrative Region said after the game. Many fans traveled to Hong Kong especially for the game, those responsible explain.
In the run-up to the game, the government transferred the equivalent of around 1.7 million francs to the organizers of the game. There was also 100,000 francs for the stadium rent. Now the government is demanding its money back. She wants to clarify exactly how much in the next few days.
Miami coach asks fans for forgiveness
In addition to Messi, Miami coach Gerardo Martino also left ex-Barça striker Luis Suárez on the bench for the entire game. The coach explained the decision by wanting to protect both of them. He asked the disappointed fans for forgiveness. “We would have liked to have sent Leo and Luis onto the pitch at least briefly, but the risk was too high,” said Martino.
Inter Miami won the test in Hong Kong 4-1 (1-1) in front of around 38,000 spectators. But most fans primarily wanted to see Messi play, which they were denied. According to media reports, the Argentine is suffering from a muscle injury.
There has been a huge hype in Hong Kong for days because of the test match. Tens of thousands had already turned up for Miami training on Saturday, and the team hotel was almost under siege. The tickets were completely sold within an hour in December.
Fans demand money back
Some fans said they had paid several hundred francs to see Messi, as the Hong Kong newspaper “South China Morning Post” reported. One supporter told the newspaper he had traveled from Melbourne specifically for the game. Some viewers even asked for their money back after the disappointment.
The fans want their money back.
AP/Louise Delmotte
Inter Miami is currently preparing for the upcoming MLS season with a friendly tour of various countries. Last Thursday, Miami lost 6-0 at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr (without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo). Messi played there for a few minutes towards the end. Inter Miami travels to Japan next.
Are you already following 20 minutes of sports on Whatsapp?
Stay informed about the sports world and subscribe to the Whatsapp channel 20 Minutes Sport: Then you will receive regular updates with our best sports stories directly to your cell phone.
2024-02-05 13:09:44
#Hong #Kong #Fans #government #pissed #Lionel #Messi
