Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was booed and angry fans chanted for a refund after Lionel Messi did not play in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Messi, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury, was left on the bench as his side beat a Hong Kong XI 4-1.
In footage posted on social media, fans could be heard chanting “refund” before a post-match speech from Beckham was greeted with boos.
The Hong Kong government said match organisers Tatler Asia could face a reduction in funding.
“The Government today expressed deep disappointment over Messi not playing at Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF, and the organiser failing to provide a detailed explanation promptly,” the government said in a statement.
“The event has been awarded “M” Mark status, as well as a matching grant of 15 million [Hong Kong dollars; £1.5m] and a grant for venue of 1 million by The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC).
“The Government has also provided a variety of coordination and assistance, including venue arrangement and crowd management, in order to offer football fans a wonderful game and an opportunity to witness the world-class player showcasing his skills.
“Many Hong Kong fans looked forward to the match with enthusiasm, and a lot of tourists came to Hong Kong particularly for the match.
“The Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed that Messi could neither play in the friendly match, nor explain to the fans in person upon request.
“The way that the organiser and Inter Miami CF handled the situation could not meet the expectations of the fans who showed strong support to Messi, especially those visitors who came all the way here for the match.
“The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the MSEC will rely on the terms and conditions of the agreement in requiring the organiser to take responsibility, including a reduction of the amount of funding as a result of Messi being not able to play in the match.”
riwanoprty
0
u stupid fella get educated.. did u even read the article.. n do u even speak English
Talk about understanding b4 speaking
lightrex
0
u stupid fella get educated.. did u even read the article.. n do u even speak English
no I speak only in boo 🤣🤣🤣
Zuscklmnu
1
illiterate. you don't even comprehend simple grammar. fool
Buselnortz
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
You can’t fucking read you asshole every one wanted to see the God Messi
motaeilnot
0
Cristiano Ronaldo is my GOAT not messi.
R9 pelle maradona better than penaldo just bse has no WORLD CUP
Jupcmops
1
Goat effects
Football_Messi
2
Booed in Paris, booed in Hong Kong...Messi on boo mission
u stupid fella get educated.. did u even read the article.. n do u even speak English
Fapdmnpstu
0
Were they not aware before the game that Messi was injured, so they still want Messi to play while injured? Fans have to understand sometimes too🤔
The problem it’s planned. We all know Messi not injured, but they sell ticket using his name and comprehend the fans, especially when it comes to Messi
lightrex
4
Booed in Paris, booed in Hong Kong...Messi on boo mission
Hapacenyz
1
Were they not aware before the game that Messi was injured, so they still want Messi to play while injured? Fans have to understand sometimes too🤔
fakbnoprz
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
You need help. You can die too we don’t care
Aman700
0
No one hates Ronaldo bro We all admire him and at the same time we all know that messi is the goat 😌 unparalleled
Cristiano Ronaldo is my GOAT not messi.
El-Mosthigh
1
Like you hate ronaldo we can also hate messi
No one hates Ronaldo bro We all admire him and at the same time we all know that messi is the goat 😌 unparalleled
Mapabeimru
1
How can you hate this guy ??😳
[image]
Privileged racist white boy, that’s how
Aman700
0
How can you hate this guy ??😳
[image]
Like you hate ronaldo we can also hate messi
zecadknt
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
U will never get peace as far as u remain a pendu fan 😂😂
Teubklmp
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
what do u expect from a CR5 fan? 🤣
Lordrolex
0
i would have b ineen so disappointed 😞☹️
Mezdkmsyz
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
Be sensible small😂
pesdlmnpz
4
Messi the whole world love him even in Hong Kong they just want to see him playing to enjoy his talent on the pitch
cocadkstuy
0
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
This surely confirms how weak the MLS is.
cocadkstuy
2
Nobody hates this guy. He a good player. Why humans are like this?
malablata
4
Clowns.....the fans booed Messi as a flop. No one came to see any Messi. The fans were devasted they lost to an average team like Inter Miami that collected 10 goals from two games in Saudi Arabia.
Sukaikmotu
2
is not possible to hate this man if you love the game of football ⚽
El-Mosthigh
6
How can you hate this guy ??😳