Lionel Messi is being criticized for playing in the Japan game after being benched in Hong Kong.
++Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly to serve three-match ban for violent conduct
Messi played in the Japan match on Wednesday (7), after staying at the bench in the Hong Kong game on Sunday (4). Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino said that Messi was deemed unfit to play in Sunday’s friendly in Hong Kong.
++Thiago Silva’s wife apologizes after apparently calling for Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal
Besides fans, Chinese state media and even Hong Kong politicians were not happy about the situation. The state-controlled Chinese newspaper Global Times said that Messi’s absence raised many questions about the difference in treatment for Hong Kong.
“The match in Hong Kong became the only one in Messi’s six pre-season friendly matches on this trip where he was absent. The situation … has magnified these doubts and suspicions on the integrity of Inter Miami and Messi himself”.
Ahead of the game on Wednesday, Messi apologized to the Chinese fans, saying it was a real shame he was not able to play in Hong Kong due to an injury. “Anyone who knows me knows that I always want to play… especially in these games where we travel so far and people are excited to see our games. Hopefully we can come back and play a game in Hong Kong”, wrote him on Weibo, a Chinese platform similar to X.
I came across this wonderful website recently, they deliver excellent content for viewers. The site owner knows how to provide value to the audience. I’m pleased and hope they continue their splendid service.