Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi faced criticism and disappointment from fans after being benched during an exhibition match between Inter Miami and the hong kong Team. Messi, nursing a knock, did not play, sparking jeers from disgruntled supporters and government calls for explanations. The game organizers, Tatler Asia, expressed their disappointment in a social media post, stating that Messi had been cleared to play 30 minutes in a subsequent match in japan just three days later.
The statement revealed that Inter Miami had committed to having marquee players, including Messi, play for 45 minutes unless injured. Despite being informed of Messi's and Luis Suarez's injuries, Tatler Asia pleaded with Inter Miami to have Messi engage with fans, but he did not. The organizers, who had invested millions and months of hard work in the event, offered a 50% refund to ticket holders and emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue.
Messi apologized for letting fans down and promised to return for another game in the future. The incident highlighted the challenges faced when organizing high-profile events and the impact on both organizers and disappointed fans. Tickets for the game sold out quickly, reflecting the high expectations and anticipation surrounding Messi's appearance.
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