Did 'Hong Kong No-Show' Messi Play in Japan?... Chinese-speaking Fans Outraged

by Lim Juhyeong

Published 08 Feb.2024 14:26(KST)

Updated 15 Jul.2024 13:36(KST)

Chinese State Media "Growing Doubts About Truthfulness"

Global football star Lionel Messi, who sparked a 'no-show controversy' in Hong Kong, appeared in a friendly match in Japan. Fans in the Greater China region are expressing outrage.

Messi was substituted in at the 15th minute of the second half during the friendly match between Vissel Kobe (J-League) and Inter Miami of the U.S. Major League Soccer, held at the Tokyo National Stadium on the 7th (local time). When Messi appeared, the crowd cheered. In the match, Messi took two shots at the 35th minute of the second half but failed to score as he was blocked by Kobe's defense.

Soccer star Lionel Messi (left) is handling the ball during a friendly match against Vissel Kobe held in Tokyo, Japan, on the 7th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, this news sparked strong backlash in the Greater China region. On the 4th, Messi did not participate in the friendly match against the Hong Kong All-Star 11 team at Hong Kong Stadium, citing injury as the reason. It was reported that Hong Kong fans filling the stands shouted "Refund, refund" and booed.

Regarding this, Gerardo Martino, Inter Miami's coach, explained, "I heard that Messi's condition improved after training on the 6th, so we decided to let him play for about 30 minutes," adding, "Messi did not seem to be particularly uncomfortable after the match."

However, Chinese fans strongly opposed the news. Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of China's 'Global Times,' demanded on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "Apologize to Chinese fans." The reactions from fans in both Hong Kong and mainland China have been cold, with some heated comments such as "This is an act of disrespect towards Chinese people."

China's state-run 'Global Times' also pointed out, "Among the six preseason friendly matches of Inter Miami, the only match Messi no-showed was the Hong Kong game," and criticized, "Doubts about Inter Miami and Messi's sincerity towards China are bound to grow."

They emphasized, "This issue goes far beyond the realm of sports."

Meanwhile, foreign media including the 'AP News' reported on the 7th that less than half of the 60,000-seat Tokyo National Stadium was filled during the Inter Miami vs. Vissel Kobe friendly. Messi explained at a press conference held in Tokyo the day before, "Not being able to play in Hong Kong was really due to bad luck," and added, "I kept feeling uncomfortable, so it was difficult to play."