Lionel Messi (36) understands that many supporters were dissatisfied on Sunday because he did not play in the practice match against a Hong Kong selection. But according to the Inter Miami star footballer, he did not feel ready to play due to an injury.
Belga, De Telegraaf, Vincent Van Genechten
Yesterday at 08:59
Nearly 40,000 people were eagerly awaiting a performance by Messi in Hong Kong, and many had paid deep pockets for ticket prices that did not fall below 115 euros. But they did not get to see the eight-time Golden Ball. He remained on the bench for 90 minutes, which led to boos in the stands. Even the Hong Kong government expressed its dissatisfaction afterwards.
“We immediately proposed alternatives,” said Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong’s sports minister. “That Messi would appear on the pitch, greet the crowd and receive a cup.” He warned that the subsidy of almost two million euros may be reclaimed from the organizers.
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During a press moment on Tuesday in Tokyo, Messi explained that he was not playing due to an injury. It therefore remains to be seen whether he can appear in an exhibition match against Japanese champion Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.
“During the first match in Saudi Arabia I felt something in my adductor muscles. Then I tried to play the second match (in which he came on briefly, ed.). Then I had a scan taken. There was nothing to see, but I continued to have problems,” Messi said.
The world champion understands that many supporters in Hong Kong remained hungry and reacted angrily. “But unfortunately injuries are part of football,” he said. “You can miss any match because of it. I always feel like playing football, especially when we play matches that are so far from home. Hopefully I will get another chance to play football in Hong Kong. It was pure bad luck, but unfortunately this can happen in football.”
Messi remained mum about his chances of playing on Wednesday. “Don’t know. But I feel better already and I hope it works. We are going to train this afternoon.”
Inter Miami is preparing for the start of the competition in the American Major League Soccer (on February 22) with a promotional tour in various countries.
© EPA-EFE
© EPA-EFE
© REUTERS
