Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi kicks the ball during an open training session at the Hong Kong Stadium, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on Feb 3, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

A sold-out stadium with a 40,000-capacity just for a training session. 

Thousands of football fans gathered at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday, chanting and cheering for Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates a day ahead of a long-waited friendly between the club and local players.

Messi, the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner, has set off a city-wide frenzy and made headlines in many media since his arrival on Friday. His side will face the Hong Kong SAR squad featuring players from the local league on Sunday.

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Football legend, as well as co-owner of Inter Miami CF, David Beckham also attended the session and was welcomed with rounds of applause. 

China Daily’s Andy Chong took the photos at Hong Kong Stadium in Wan Chai.