'I Always Want to Play in Every Game': Lionel Messi Clarifies Reasons For Hong Kong No-Show

Lionel Messi has come under intense criticism from fans in China for his absence on the field during Inter Miami’s friendly match in Hong Kong earlier this month and recently took to social media to clear the air surrounding the reasons for his no-show.

In a video posted on China’s Weibo social media platform, Messi rejected chatter that his absence was “for political reasons” and said if this had been the case, he ‘would not have travelled’ to Hong Kong in the first place.

“As everyone knows, I always want to play and be in every game,” he said.

“”I have heard people say that I didn’t want to play for political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue. If that was the case, I wouldn’t have travelled to Japan or China as many times as I have.”

Inter Miami’s Messi was slated to play against a select XI from Hong Kong on February 4 as a part of their tour. But, the eight-time Ballon D’or winner took a seat on Miami’s bench throughout the entirety of the game as the MLS side won 4-1.

His absence from the field was greeted by boos and jeers from the thousands of fans who had purchased the heftily-priced tickets to witness the magic of the World Cup-winning Argentine in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Some nationalist politicians and outlets interpreted Messi’s absence — and his subsequent appearance at a similar match in Japan — as a snub to China, without offering evidence.

As criticism ramped up against Messi, the sports bureau in Hangzhou cancelled next month’s friendly between Nigeria and World Cup champion Argentina, captained by Messi, in China for “the reasons known to all.”

Similarly, Beijing Football Association also stated that they had no interest in hosting another friendly game where Argentina was slated to face off against Ivory Coast next month.

In order to clear the air, Messi also spoke of the ‘very close and special’ relationship he holds with China, and reiterated that it was indeed injury, specifically an inflammation of an adductor, that had ruled him out of action on the occasion.

“As I said in the press conference, I had an inflamed adductor and I couldn’t play in the first game in Saudi Arabia, which is when I felt it. In the second game in Saudi, I tried to play (but it got worse),” stated the former Barcelona man.

“Then, on the day before the match (in Hong Kong), I tried to train and made an effort for all those who’d come to watch training. I did all I could.

“As always, I send good wishes to everyone in China who I have always had and continue to have special affection for. I hope to see you again soon,” signed off Messi.

Tatler Asia, organizers of the Inter Miami game, earlier this month apologized to all the fans who were in attendance and offered a 50% refund to those who purchased game tickets from the official channels.

(inputs from agencies)