More than 40,000 people mass together to watch the Inter Miami CF vs Hong Kong game on Sunday Photo: Ryan Lee
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were both set to play in the exhibition match between Hong Kong and Inter Miami CF at the Hong Kong Stadium, but event organizers were informed at half-time that there was no possibility that Messi could play.
Thousands of football fans were heartbroken when they found out that both the football superstars were benched due to medical complications.
Tatler was informed by Inter Miami staff that Messi would be included in the player list submitted a day before the match.
The government expressed deep disappointment in a press release over Lionel Messi not playing at Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, and it has been pointed out that Tatler Asia may receive reductions to future funding due to Messi’s absence.
Michel Lamunière, CEO of Tatler Asia announced that they will be withdrawing its application from the “M” Mark event status and its government grant worth HK$16 million, following the disappointing ending to the exhibition match last Sunday.
CEO of Tatler Asia gives a press statement regarding the incident. Video: AssociatedPress/youtube
The exhibition match was part of the Hong Kong government’s greater plan to “instill a sustainable sporting culture” and to promote Hong Kong’s image “as Asia’s sports events capital”.
Spectators began chanting “We want Messi!” in the 70th minute of the match, and jeers could be heard during David Beckham’s speech, demanding refunds from the organizers.
“It’s an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime event. What a waste.“ Said Steven Au, playing football with his three nephews at Kowloon Park.
One viral photo shows one enraged fan who may have taken it too far by destroying a Messi Cardboard head at the Stadium. @yahoo.hongkong/Instagram
Following the controversial event, an interview with multiple football fans revealed their views on the situation.
What did you think about the absence of Messi in the Intermiami vs Hong Kong game on Sunday?
“I have friends that paid over $2000 for a ticket to see Messi. If I were him I would want a refund.” Said Hei Mong Hei, a 30-year-old NGO worker in Sheung Wan.
“I feel like he doesn’t respect us Hong Kongers because the tickets were so expensive… even if he was injured he could have taken photos and given autographs to us fans,” said Matthew Tsang, a student from HKU.
“I think the fans have every right to be angry. I think the worst part of it was Messi didn’t look like he cared about the fans at all,” said Heifield Leung, a member of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University football team.
With over 40,000 people coming to see the Argentinian legend, Messi’s absence overshadowed the game as a whole, undoubtedly affecting the overall atmosphere of the game. His absence left many feeling disappointed and betrayed, especially young fans who eagerly went to support their hero.
In response to the public backlash, Tatler Asia issued an Instagram apology sharing their mutual disappointment regarding Messi’s non-participation.
“You can boo and cry about it but vandalizing the cutout is very disrespectful and paints a bad reputation for us Hong Kongers.” Said nineteen-year-old HKFC player Ryan Lee, who had front-row seats to the match costing up to HK$4880.
“Of course I feel sad that I can’t see such a legend play, but I can’t feel offended because at the end of the day, his injury isn’t something you can predict.” Said Lee, sympathetically.
Some fans argue that organizers should have been more transparent with fans regarding player injuries
“Organizers should ease the public concerns” said Thomas Wong
Messi’s nonappearance from the match may extend beyond Hong Kong.
Japanese fans will have to consider the possibility of Messi’s injury, as they eagerly await updates on Messi’s condition before the upcoming Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami CF exhibition match on the 7th of February.
Article by Heung Hiu Fung Alvin
Edited by Brendan Lai and Cherrie Lee