Messi clears air on Hong Kong absence after false reports
Lionel Messi posted a video Monday on one of the largest social media platforms in China, to dispel “false stories” he did not play in Hong Kong earlier this month due to “political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue.”
Messi, the Inter Miami star, reaffirmed his reasoning to not play in Inter Miami’s sold-out preseason friendly game against a group of Hong Kong allstars in Hong Kong Stadium on Feb. 4 due to an adductor injury.
The outrage grew after Messi played in a half-filled stadium in Tokyo on Feb. 7 and appeared close to fully healthy. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino last week confirmed Messi is “fully fit” and ready for the MLS season opener Wednesday against Real Salt Lake.
“I’ve read and heard many things that have been said after the game in Hong Kong. I wanted to record this video and give you the true version so nobody has to continue reading false stories,” Messi said in a video on Weibo.
“I’ve heard people say that I didn’t want to play for political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue. Had that been the case I wouldn’t have even traveled to Japan or visited China, as I have many times as I have since the start of my career. I’ve had a very close and special relationship with China.”
Messi, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and the team were serenaded with boos by fans, one day after Messi lightly participated in a training session at the venue.
Officials in Hong Kong and the event organizers expressed disappointment in Messi for not participating in the friendly. Argentina was slated to play two friendlies in China in March, but they have been canceled because of the fallout.
“As I said in the press conference, I had an inflamed adductor and I couldn’t play in the first game in Saudi Arabia, which is when I felt it,” Messi reaffirmed.
“In the second game [in Saudi Arabia] I tried to play for a bit, but it got worse. Then on the day before the game [in Hong Kong], I tried to train and made an effort for all those who had come to watch training.
“I did all I could, I also went along to the football clinic with the kids, but I really couldn’t play. I felt discomfort and there was a risk it could get worse. It felt a bit better a few days later, and that’s why I played for a bit in Japan to prepare fitness-wise for everything to come because I needed to play and get back up to speed.”
Messi finished his statement adding: “I’d already said all of this, but I think it was important to say it again now after everything that’s being said. As always, I send good wishes to everyone to China, who I’ve always had and continue to have special affection. I hope to see you again soon.”