Lionel Messi played in a friendly in Japan after missing a match in Hong Kong, leaving fans seething about his lack of involvement.
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Messi sat out match in Hong KongLocal fans extremely angry at ArgentineAsk that he 'never' return to Hong Kong(C)Getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Messi missed Inter Miami's pre-season friendly against Hong Kong XI due to a physical issue. The game saw the Herons booed off the field due to the fans' frustration at missing out on watching the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip also reacted with fury, claiming that the Argentine should not be allowed to return to the region.
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The Hong Kong Lawmaker said [via BBC]: "Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter-Miami, and the black hand behind them for the deliberate and calculated snub. Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It has been reported that Messi was contracted to play at least 45 minutes of the game. However, manager Tata Martino did not use his superstar and said there was "too much risk involved" because of his injury situation. Messi went on to feature as a substitute in Inter Miami's next friendly against Vissel Kobe, with Martino confirming he had felt better after a training session.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi will now put all his focus on returning to full fitness in time for the club's Major League Soccer opening game against Real Salt Lake on February 21. However, Messi is due to return to China next month with Argentina for their friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast.