The fact that Messi was injured and unable to play in Hong Kong, but then played in Japan, made the Hong Kong government angry, demanding ‘an explanation’.

Messi playing in Japan angered fans and Hong Kong authorities – Photo: Getty

According to Chinese press, Hong Kong politicians and fans were extremely angry after seeing Lionel Messi take the field in a match between Inter Miami and Vissel Kobe in Japan on February 7. via.

There was a stir about using Messi’s injury as an excuse not to play in Hong Kong but to play jubilantly in Japan

Many Hong Kong fans believe that Messi and Inter Miami acted to “disregard” Hong Kong, by using Messi’s injury as an excuse so he could not play. On the contrary, when he came to Japan, Messi played jubilantly on the field. Angered by that, many Hong Kong fans took Messi’s shirt, cut it off or burned it.

Hong Kong fans burn Messi’s shirt – Photo: Sina

The Hong Kong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also officially spoke up, saying that fans were very disappointed that Messi could not play in Hong Kong due to injury. “However, three days later, Messi was able to play actively and freely in Japan… the Hong Kong government hopes that the organizers and teams can provide a reasonable explanation.”

Hong Kong lawmaker Kenneth Fok said that this incident “sprinkled salt” on the wounds of Hong Kong fans, while senior government advisor Regina Ip wrote on the X account: “Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter Miami and the black hand behind them…”.