Lionel Messi has triggered anger and outrage in Hong Kong after missing a friendly match, citing injury. The Argentine football star and his team, Inter Miami, faced fury from Hong Kong fans after he did not play in the friendly match, only to play 30 minutes in a match in Japan shortly after. This led to accusations that Messi had singled out China, causing immense dissatisfaction among the organizers and fans in Hong Kong.
Following the incident, Tatler Asia, the event’s organizers, issued an apology and promised a 50 percent refund to ticket holders. However, the backlash has been substantial, with influential nationalist tabloid Global Times suggesting that foreign forces had conspired to tarnish the city’s reputation, hinting at potential political motives behind Messi’s actions.
The Hong Kong government has demanded an explanation from the match’s organizers, who had previously assured the public that Messi would play. Regina Ip, a top Hong Kong government advisor, expressed her fury on social media, stating that Messi should “never be allowed to return” to Hong Kong. She accused Messi and Inter Miami of a deliberate and calculated snub and deployed a phrase commonly used by the city’s officials to allege sinister foreign interference.
The aftermath of Messi’s non-appearance trended on social media platforms in mainland China, with mocking comments and memes inundating a post by the footballer expressing regret for not being able to play. Some even depicted Messi as an Imperial Japanese soldier, referencing alleged preferences for Japan over China.
The episode has also led to repercussions for public figures, such as Hong Kong actress Samantha Ko Hoi-ling, who was forced to apologize on social media after expressing understanding for Messi’s decision to skip the game. On the other hand, some commentators have suggested that the reaction to Messi’s absence may have been exaggerated, cautioning against turning it into a larger political struggle.
In response to the situation, a prominent nationalist commentator, Hu Xijin, emphasized the need for measured criticism so as not to elevate Messi’s status, stating, “As if a single careless manifestation of his could touch our great nation and hurt the feelings of our entire society.”
Overall, Messi’s absence from the friendly match in Hong Kong has ignited a wave of discontent and controversy, sparking fierce responses from both public figures and social media users in Hong Kong and mainland China. The incident has not only impacted Messi’s image but has also underscored the intricate intersection of sports, politics, and national sentiments.
