Lionel Messi has arrived in Tokyo but the controversy continues in Hong Kong: how much time he had to play and the millions behind the boos

Lionel Messi She is fury wherever she goes. This Monday the last stop of Inter Miami’s Asian tour arrived in Tokyo.. However, unlike most occasions, the ones who didn’t take away Leo’s fondest memories were the fans Hong Kong. Due to a muscle ailment, the champion was spared and did not play in the Aironi’s friendly match against a local team. And the decision was not at all popular in a stadium that was sold out exclusively to see the Argentine on the pitch, when from the event they promised his presence on the pitch in exchange for a millionaire sum.

As soon as the match was announced last December, the tickets on sale sold out within minutes. Fans of the Asian nation paid between 880 and 4,880 Hong Kong dollars (between 103 and 573 euros) to get any of the files 40,000 tickets available in the face of the furor that Leo is causing in the Middle East.

However, when, ten minutes before the start of the match, the voice of the stadium announced that Messi would not even be on the reserve bench, the context of the match changed completely: the result of 4-1 in favor of Inter Miami ended up counting little E The Florida team left the stadium blowing whistles also due to the anger of an audience left without seeing Messi Luis Suarezand I could only enjoy half an hour Sergio Busquets AND Jordi Alba.

But the public anger didn’t stop there. The videos quickly went viral, from alienated fans, who With a kick worthy of karate they destroyed Leo’s face which was displayed on an advertising poster. Even the 40 thousand spectators they didn’t hesitate to start asking for a refund considering themselves cheated by the organizers and by Messi himself.

“We are sad and disappointed. What hurt us most is that he didn’t even come out to say hello, apologize or pass a ball to the public,” complained Victoria Tripodoro, a Argentinian student who paid for a ticket to see her idol, who unleashed total madness during his residence in the region.

What at first seemed like a show turned out to be a story of widespread disenchantment, Why did it arouse so much anger among fans? According to the event organizers, Messi’s presence on the pitch for at least 45 minutes was a guaranteed fact. However, this deal ended up being rejected Gerard Nanny Martin when the team that takes the field comes together.

After the friendly match, where the result took a back seat due to the absence of the ’10’, the coach explained his decision and clarified: “Leo has an inflammation of the adductor muscle. When we sat down with the The medical team told us it was a problem.” it was very risky for him to play today. We understand the disappointment of the fans who came to the stadium today due to the absence of these players“.

The position of the Hong Kong government and the response of the organizers

Given the annoyance caused, it was the man who took matters into his own hands Hong Kong governmentwho expressed his “deep disappointment due to the fact that Messi did not play and that the organizer did not immediately give detailed explanations given that the financing contract was the one Messi will participate in the match for at least 45 minutes, except for reasons related to his physical condition and safety.“.

He added: “Follow-up measures will be taken in accordance with the terms and conditions established with the organizing company, which include reducing the funding amount.” The Major Sports Events Committee had allocated HK$16 million (US$2.04 million) for the company Tatler Asia organize the event.

Although Leo played his part and did not play due to injury, a situation that favored the agreement, The development company was in the eye of the storm and was forced to give an answer to the public. In a press conference this Monday, its president and CEO, Michel Lamunièrethey confirmed that they will refuse “the money received from the Government”, however left the public in suspense by not revealing anything about a possible refund

Furthermore, what leaves the club in check is that it itself confirmed on the day of the match that”Messi would take the field in the second halfEven the Eastern government denounced it even more, confessing that “other solutions were studied, such as putting Messi on the pitch to greet the fans and collect the trophy, but it didn’t work”.

What time does Messi play in Tokyo?

In the midst of the conflict unleashed between public opinion in Hong Kong, the government itself and the company organizing the friendly match against Inter Miami, Las Garzas continues with the pace set by its pre-season agenda. That’s why they arrived at their final stop in the Middle East this morning: Tokyowhere they will face the Vissel Kobe.

In what will be the penultimate match before the start of MLS, the Florida team will face this Wednesday, February 7 (starting at 7:00 am Argentina time) against one of the most powerful teams in Japan. The presence of Messi and Suárez is not confirmed either, taking into account that Martino wants to take care of them as much as possible for when the time comes to fight for points.

Plus with the friendly match to face Newell’s On February 15 in Miami, the Argentine coach will have the chance to get his players back into the football rhythm before hosting the home team. Royal Salt Lakefor the first matchday of the MLS, February 21st.