The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s absence continues, with former editor-in-chief of mainland China’s Global Times, Hu Xijin, taking to Weibo to suggest that the organizers and International Miami owe fans a formal explanation and apology.
Hu Xijin shared a video on Weibo titled “Is Messi in Hong Kong Different from Messi in Japan? Fans Need a Formal Explanation and Apology.” In the video, he stated, “In the past few days, football superstar Messi has been heavily criticized by Chinese fans. He arrived in Hong Kong with International Miami to play a match.”
“On the condition that the contract stipulates Messi must play at least half of the game, Messi didn’t even step onto the field for a minute, which deeply hurt the fans. Not only did the Hong Kong government express extreme disappointment, but many fans who specifically traveled to Hong Kong for Messi also demanded refunds.”
Hu Xijin’s mention of the “contract stipulating playing half of the game” is believed to come from remarks by Yang Runxiong, director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The sponsorship condition from the SAR government required Messi to play at least 45 minutes, but it’s unknown if there was such a clause in the contract between the organizer Tatler and International Miami. Tatler issued a statement on Monday withdrawing the application for the M brand and a HK$16 million fund, revealing that their agreement with International Miami mentioned that star players including Messi would play unless injured.
Hu Xijin continued, “I think we don’t need to escalate this matter to politics. Just in terms of respect for the fans and contractual spirit, the organizers and the team have fallen short. After all, using Messi as a draw for promotion led to instant sell-out of tickets. Now, the fans’ dashed expectations and the money spent all require a formal explanation and apology.”
He also wrote on Weibo, “Regarding Messi’s situation, owing fans a formal explanation and apology.”
Yan Qiang: This Arrogance and Aloofness Are Unacceptable
In addition, mainland China’s senior sports media figure Yan Qiang also posted a video on Weibo, discussing the controversy surrounding Messi’s absence from the Hong Kong exhibition match. He said, “I feel that this kind of harm and impact has already occurred. I think this very bad effect cannot be eliminated, and it’s not something that can be brushed over with a few casual words.”
Messi attended a press conference during his trip to Japan on Tuesday, stating that missing the Hong Kong exhibition match was unfortunate because he felt discomfort in his thigh, hoping for another opportunity to play in Hong Kong. +2
Yan Qiang believes that the organizers, International Miami, and even Messi “may all have unavoidable responsibilities, but no one has been able to come forward and clarify this matter, especially regarding the disappointment and emotional damage to the fans.”
According to the Hong Kong government and Tatler, the organizers, they only found out in the second half that Messi couldn’t play, and requested International Miami to have Messi speak to the fans after the game to explain his absence, but Messi ultimately did not do so.
“I think it’s a very arrogant attitude, this arrogance and aloofness are unacceptable, but everything has already happened.” However, Yan Qiang added at the end: “For the fans, this is after all a commercial game, so approach it with caution, and don’t set overly high hopes.”