20Photo© hindustantimes.comLionel Messi and David Beckham Booed After Argentina Superstar Sits Out Hong Kong Friendly
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HONG KONG: Hong Kong soccer fans and government expressed their disappointment on Sunday as Lionel Messi stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes while Inter Miami defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in the latest stop on the MLS team’s preseason Asian tour.
The Argentine has a hamstring strain and did not play as fans, who snapped up more than 38,000 tickets within an hour of them going on sale in December, could be heard booing in the late stages of the game and at the final whistle.
“Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organizers’ arrangement. The organizers owe all football fans an explanation,” the government said in a statement on Sunday.
“ The truth is that it was bad luck that I couldn't (play) on the day of the Hong Kong match. Unfortunately, in football, things can happen in any game, and we may have an injury. It's a shame because I…
Lionel Messi,
'It's a shame': Lionel Messi reacts to backlash for missing Hong Kong…
“ The truth is that I feel very good compared to a few days ago. And depending on how that (training) goes. And if I'm honest, I still don't know if I will be able to or not. But I feel much better and…
Lionel Messi,
'It's a shame': Lionel Messi reacts to backlash for missing Hong Kong…
“ I hope we can return and we can play another game and I can be present. As I do whenever I can. But the truth is that it is a shame that I was not able to participate,
Lionel Messi,
'It's a shame': Lionel Messi reacts to backlash for missing Hong Kong…