Lionel Messi is acclaimed as the most popular sporting phenomenon of his generation. His unprecedented achievements earned him the title of the greatest player ever to grace the game. Currently, the World Cup winner is plying his trade with Inter Miami, extending his legacy to America.
Inter Miami concluded their pre-season tour with a final game against Vissel Kobe, securing just a single win throughout the campaign against Hong Kong XI. However, this victory sparked a demand for refunds after Messi did not participate in the match.
Organizers give 50% ticket refund for Lionel Messi’s absence
Inter Miami is set to face their captain’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys at DRV PNK Stadium on February 15th as their final friendly preparation before the MLS season opener later this month. Last season, the club crashed out of the playoff race, hitting the bottom position in the points table.
Similarly, during their pre-season tour results, the David Beckham co-owner came back with six defeats in their total of seven friendlies on the entire tour. The sole victory was registered against Hong Kong. However, it was not the results that stole the headlines, but rather the absence of their talisman.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Luis Suárez both couldn’t feature in the game and remained spectators on the bench. This angered the 40,000 fans packed in the stands, who were eagerly awaiting Messi’s performance, who was sidelined due to injury.
Reportedly, the organizers of the Hong Kong friendly have agreed to offer a 50% refund on the ticket price to all fans who attended the match, hoping to witness the World Cup winner in action, following a surge of backlash from Hong Kong fans demanding ticket refunds.
Inter Miami issues apology for Lionel Messi’s Hong Kong absence
As Miami gears up to begin their new season this month, after prolonged pre-season preparations aimed at outclassing last season’s performance, Lionel Messi is set to spearhead their attack. He will be joined by Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
The club issued an official statement regarding Messi’s absence in Hong Kong, stating, “Despite our best intentions, we understand the disappointment over Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez not participating in Sunday’s match. We apologize to fans who were looking forward to seeing the two players in action.”
“We also recognize that the late decision caused frustration among our Hong Kong supporters and the event promoter, Tatler Asia. We do feel it necessary to express that injuries are unfortunately a part of the beautiful game, and our player’s health must always come first,” it added further.
