Lionel Messi is accused of 'political motives' and trying to 'embarrass' Hong Kong with a 'calculated snub' after sitting out Inter Miami's friendly with an injury before playing in Japan just days la
Messi's participation in Tokyo sparked more fury after he stayed on the bench just days earlier in a highly anticipated game in Hong Kong. China's state-controlled Global Times said Messi's absence posed many questions on the differential treatment for Hong Kong and accused the Argentine striker of 'political motives' with the aim of 'embarrassing' Hong Kong. David Beckham, Miami's co-owner and president, was heavily booed in Hong Kong while making a speech on the pitch at full-time. Sports lawmaker Kenneth Fok said the incident 'sprinkled salt wounds' on Hong Kong fans. Regina Ip, a senior government advisor, wrote on X that 'Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter-Miami and the black hand behind them, for the deliberate and calculated snub to Hong Kong.'
Source: Express February 09, 2024 04:36 UTC
