On an afternoon meant to celebrate sportsmanship and unity, Hong Kong’s soccer fans were left with the bitter taste of disappointment and disrespect. The much-anticipated friendly match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong team, a sporting event that was supposed to showcase the magic of Argentine star Lionel Messi, turned into a public relations fiasco.
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter. Hong Kong had pulled out all the stops to welcome Messi and his team. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government received the team with the kind of pomp usually reserved for heads of state. The city was plastered with images of Messi, from outdoor screens to bus adverts, indicating the high level of excitement and anticipation among the fans.
Ticket prices ranged from HK$880 ($112.52) to HK$4,880, reflecting the eagerness of the Hong Kong public to catch a glimpse of the football legend in action. A contract stipulated that Messi was to play for at least 45 minutes, a detail that had been reconfirmed with the Inter Miami team before the match. But as events unfolded, Messi’s failure to take part became a glaring issue that sparked outrage among fans young and old.
From the start, Messi’s demeanor was distant and disengaged. When his name was announced, he delayed his entrance by five minutes, appearing unsmiling and hands thrust in his pockets. As the first half progressed, he seemed indifferent to the cheers of the crowd, remaining on the bench, seemingly dozing off without any intention of playing. Anticipation turned to disbelief when, after halftime, it was clear that Messi would not be taking the field. Despite the pleas from Hong Kong fans and the contractual agreement, Messi did not play, nor did he offer any gesture of goodwill toward the fans.
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The snub was not just a personal affront to those who had traveled far and paid handsomely for a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it was perceived as a slight against not just fans from Hong Kong, but all Chinese fans. The incident was seen as a breach of the sportsmanship and contractual spirit that are the bedrock of international sport.
Many Hong Kong Legislative Council members, including myself, expressed our disappointment publicly, empathizing with the fans who felt disrespected and belittled
In the aftermath, Inter Miami’s coach claimed that Messi was injured, a statement quickly countered by Argentine media reports asserting Messi’s good health. Further adding to the controversy, Messi’s subsequent performance in Japan — where he appeared in good spirits and physical condition — stood in stark contrast to his behavior in Hong Kong. The discrepancy in ticket prices between the Hong Kong and Japan matches added fuel to the fire, with the implication that financial motives might have influenced the star’s engagement.
Many Hong Kong Legislative Council members, including myself, expressed our disappointment publicly, empathizing with the fans who felt disrespected and belittled. The feeling of betrayal was palpable among the fans and the organizers, who felt they had been sold short by a broken promise.
US media, often quick to highlight their own stars’ missteps, coined the term “Messi Mess” to describe the debacle. The play on words indicated the chaotic aftermath of what was supposed to be a sporting celebration. The sentiment was shared globally, as football fans worldwide empathized with the disappointment of those in Hong Kong.
The Miami team attempted to shoulder the blame, seemingly to shield Messi and promotor Tatler Asia from the backlash. However, this act of contrition did little to ease the situation, as the logic of Messi’s injury claim did not hold up when considering his participation in subsequent matches.
This incident raises broader questions about the obligations of sports figures to their fans and the integrity of contractual agreements. When does the line get crossed between accommodating a player’s health and maintaining a commitment to fans? The Messi controversy in Hong Kong serves as a reminder that the relationship between sports stars and their audiences is not just based on the thrill of the game but also on mutual respect and trust.
Compounding the situation was the revelation that Messi’s refusal to play might have carried undertones of political provocation. It has been speculated that this was not merely a breach of contract but a deliberate act designed to snub Hong Kong. Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami, has familial ties to the CIA-backed anti-communist brigade of the Cold War era — his father, Jorge Mas Canosa, was a prominent figure in the Cuban-American community and had connections with the CIA-supported paramilitary group Brigade 2506 during the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. This historical context has led to conjecture among some fans and commentators that the incident could have been politically motivated, adding another layer of complexity and tension to an already fraught situation. While there is no direct evidence linking Mas’ decision to these past affiliations, the insinuation has stirred up a tempest of conjecture and speculation, further souring the relationship between the team and its international supporters.
READ MORE: Messi playing in Japan after no-show in SAR infuriates city
As the dust settles, the incident will likely be remembered not for the goals scored (Inter Miami won, 4-1) or the moments of athletic prowess but as a cautionary tale of how easily the bond between athlete and fan can be strained. It is a stark reminder that in the world of sport, where fans are often as passionate as they are loyal, the actions of a single player can reverberate far beyond the pitch.
The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
