Hongkongers, tourists mourn wasted chance to see Messi play after spending thousands on seats at high-profile match
- Government says it will seek explanation from organisers after Argentinian football star stayed on sidelines for Inter Miami, Hong Kong XI game
- ‘Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers’ arrangement,’ authorities add
Seeing Argentine football star Lionel Messi play in Hong Kong was an item that business consultant Alexi Huang, 29, and university student Tommy Li, 20, hoped to cross off their bucket list.
But they came away disappointed when the footballers failed to take to the pitch during Sunday’s match between Inter Miami and Hong Kong XI.
“I bought all the merch just to support Messi. I know Messi only appeared for seven minutes in a recent game,” Li said. “But just one or two minutes would be enough for me.
“I didn’t expect his performance to be on a par with those during his prime time.”
The duo spent more than HK$9,000 (US$1,150) on front-row tickets and an hour-long trip from Guangzhou, as well as thousands more on merchandise for the match at Hong Kong Stadium.