'Hongkong Noshow' Apology Falls Flat... Messi's Argentina Skips China, Plays Friendly Against USA

Messi's 'Hong Kong No-Show' Leads to Cancellation of China Tour
Argentina to Play Friendly in US in March

The Argentina national football team, whose China friendly match was canceled due to the aftermath of soccer star Lionel Messi's (Inter Miami) 'Hong Kong no-show' incident, has decided to hold friendly matches in the United States in March.

The Argentine Football Association announced on its website, "The US tour schedule from March 18 to 26 has been confirmed. We will face El Salvador and Nigeria." Argentina will first play against El Salvador on March 22 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia local time, and then face Nigeria on March 26 at the LA Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.

Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi (left), who plays for Inter Miami in the US professional soccer league, is handling the ball during a friendly match against Vissel Kobe held in Tokyo, Japan on the 7th.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Argentina national team scheduled the US tour in March following the 'Hong Kong no-show' incident involving Lionel Messi. Messi did not participate in the friendly match between his club Inter Miami (USA) and the Hong Kong professional football all-star team held in Hong Kong on the 4th due to injury. However, he played in the friendly match between Inter Miami and Vissel Kobe held in Japan on the 7th, which angered not only Hong Kong fans but also Chinese fans. In particular, Chinese fans were furious, claiming Messi's 'Hong Kong no-show' and subsequent appearance in Japan showed disregard for China.

In response to the controversy, Messi explained on the Chinese social networking service (SNS) Weibo, "I could not play in the Hong Kong match due to inflammation of the adductor muscle," adding, "I felt discomfort and there was a risk of worsening the injury." He continued, "I tried to participate in training for the Hong Kong fans who came to watch the day before the match. I did everything I could," and explained, "After a few days, the injury seemed to improve, so I was able to play in the Japan friendly match." Messi said, "Since I started my career, I have had a very close and special relationship with China. I have done many interviews, games, and events in China," and added, "I wish good luck to everyone in China, to whom I always have special affection, and hope to see you soon."

Despite Messi's public apology, criticism continued, and ultimately, the Argentina national team's China tour scheduled for March was canceled. The Argentine Football Association, which had planned the China tour as part of preparations for the 2024 Copa America opening in the US in June, eventually decided to hold friendly matches in the United States instead.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.