Lionel Messi, the footballing legend, finds himself embroiled in controversy following his no-show at a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong. While Inter Miami, his co-owned club, faced the Hong Kong XI, Messi’s absence, citing an injury, ignited a firestorm of accusations and outrage, particularly in China.
Fans Fume, Organizers Offer Mea Culpas
Disappointed fans, who had paid upwards of HKD 4,800 (USD 615) for tickets, expressed their displeasure through chants of “Refund!” and jeers directed at David Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner. Organisers, attempting to quell the anger, offered a 50% refund, but the sentiment remained sour.
Accusations and Conspiracy Theories
The situation quickly escalated beyond a simple missed match. Some commentators, particularly in China, accused Messi of a deliberate snub, fueled by nationalistic sentiments and complex political tensions between Hong Kong and China. A pro-Beijing Hong Kong advisor went as far as stating, “Hong Kong people hate Messi…for the deliberate and calculated snub,” suggesting ulterior motives.
Messi Maintains Innocence, But Doubts Linger
Messi has maintained his stance, claiming it was “bad luck” due to an injury and expressing his hope to return to Hong Kong. However, his explanation hasn’t quelled the scepticism. Social media, particularly in China, is abuzz with memes and mocking comments, some even portraying him as a Japanese soldier, referencing a historical point of contention between the two countries.
Beyond the Match: Geopolitical Tensions at Play
The anger directed towards Messi cannot be solely attributed to a missed game. It reflects the complex and sensitive geopolitical landscape surrounding Hong Kong and China. The city’s semi-autonomous status and recent pro-democracy protests have created tensions, with some viewing Messi’s absence as a potential slight against China.
Impact on Messi’s Image and Future Engagements
This incident could potentially damage Messi’s carefully cultivated image as a global ambassador for football. His marketability in China, a lucrative market for athletes, might be affected. Additionally, future invitations to play in the region could face scrutiny and potential backlash.
Open Questions and Uncertain Future
Whether Messi’s absence was truly due to injury or a deliberate decision remains unclear. The accusations and outrage highlight the intricate relationship between sports and politics, particularly in sensitive regions. Only time will tell how this incident will impact Messi’s image, future engagements in the region, and the broader conversation surrounding sports and geopolitics.
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