Argentina’s China-friendly canceled as Messi faces backlash for not playing in Hong Kong’s Inter Miami match
The cancellation of Argentina’s friendly in China marked a significant turn of events, stemming from the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s contentious decision to remain on the bench during an Inter Miami exhibition match in Hong Kong. The repercussions extended beyond the immediate disappointment of fans, influencing the trajectory of Argentina’s international engagements and highlighting the intricate dynamics between sports, global icons, and diplomatic relations.
The tour, initially planned during the international break from March 18 to 26, was set to feature games against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. Messi, the revered captain of the World Cup champion Argentina, was expected to lead the team in showcasing their football prowess. However, what unfolded in Hong Kong cast a shadow over these plans.
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Messi’s absence during the Hong Kong exhibition match against a local selection on February 4 triggered a cascade of reactions. The Inter Miami star explained that a groin injury prevented his participation, but the excuse did not resonate with fans, especially after he played for 30 minutes in a match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo just days later.
The sports bureau in Hangzhou, where the Argentina-Nigeria friendly was slated to take place, announced the cancellation, citing “immature conditions” for the match to proceed. The decision came after a wave of disappointment and frustration from fans and supervising authorities. The Ivory Coast friendly in Beijing, however, seemed to be proceeding as planned.
The fallout wasn’t limited to the realm of sports; it became entwined with geopolitical nuances, reflecting China’s growing influence in the sports industry and the impact of global icons on diplomatic relations. The cancellation of a football match due to a player’s actions is a rare occurrence, underscoring the magnitude of Messi’s influence and the level of disappointment among Chinese fans.
The controversy also echoed in Hong Kong, where organizers of the Inter Miami friendly faced the ire of fans. The decision to offer a 50% refund on tickets underscored the financial and reputational implications. The city, seeking to enhance its image as a hub for mega events, found itself grappling with the aftermath of Messi’s decision.
Social media played a pivotal role in amplifying the discontent. Chinese fans expressed their disappointment, and the state-run newspaper, the Global Times, published an editorial stating that the impact of the controversy “has far exceeded the realm of sports.” The episode became a talking point beyond sports circles, emphasizing the intertwining of sports, politics, and public sentiment.
In response to the widespread disappointment, local organizers in Hong Kong, Tatler Asia, issued an apology on Instagram. They expressed their upset over the perceived lack of respect shown to the crowd and detailed efforts to persuade Inter Miami management to have Messi explain the situation to spectators. The organizers were in discussions with the city government on resolving the issue, emphasizing the importance of creating an iconic moment for Hong Kong.
The financial ramifications were substantial. Tatler Asia announced a 50% refund on tickets, amounting to 56 million Hong Kong dollars ($7.2 million), resulting in a loss of 43 million Hong Kong dollars ($5.5 million). The organizer’s net income, before the refund, stood at 13 million Hong Kong dollars ($1.7 million). The complexities of managing such events, including funding applications and financial considerations, came to the forefront.
Inter Miami, Messi’s Major League Soccer team, issued an apology to Reuters, acknowledging the disappointment and frustration caused by Messi and Luis Suárez’s absence. The club emphasized the importance of prioritizing players’ health while expressing regret over the late decision that led to dissatisfaction among Hong Kong supporters and the event promoter.
Messi addressed the controversy in a news conference in Tokyo and on Chinese social media platform Weibo. He explained the injury that kept him out of the Hong Kong match, expressing regret and stating his desire to return to Hong Kong and mainland China to play for his fans. However, his subsequent appearance in the Tokyo game reignited criticism, leading to speculations about political motives and deliberate attempts to embarrass Hong Kong.
The Global Times editorial raised questions about the explanations from Messi and Inter Miami, hinting at possible political motivations behind their actions. Pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong, including Regina Ip, criticized Messi’s lies and hypocrisy, suggesting that he should never be allowed to return to the city.
As the controversy unfolded, Messi’s impact on Argentina’s global tour became evident. The final match against Newell’s Old Boys in Miami on February 16 marked the conclusion of a tumultuous pre-MLS season tour that traversed El Salvador, Dallas, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Saudi Arabia. The tour, initially designed to showcase the international appeal of Messi and his team, evolved into a narrative shaped by unexpected twists and diplomatic sensitivities.
The canceled friendly in China serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of sports, geopolitics, and public sentiment in the modern era. It highlights the influence wielded by global sports icons like Messi and the delicate balance required in managing international engagements. The fallout from a single decision reverberated beyond the confines of a football stadium, underscoring the broader implications of sports diplomacy in a globalized world.
