Inter Miami has issued an apology for Lionel Messi’s absence from an exhibition match in Hong Kong, acknowledging the frustration it caused among fans and organizers. The MLS club stated that despite their regrets, they deemed it necessary for Messi and teammate Luis Suárez not to participate, as they were being evaluated by medical staff due to concerns over their fitness.
Expressing sympathy for the disappointment caused by the late decision, Inter Miami emphasized that player health always takes precedence. They explained their intention to make a game-time decision to maximize the possibility of Messi and Suárez being available for selection.
Messi eventually appeared in Inter Miami’s friendly against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo three days later, albeit with some empty seats in the stadium. Meanwhile, the sold-out Hong Kong game witnessed chants for refunds, with potential repercussions for the event organizers’ funding.
Inter Miami expressed a willingness to return to Hong Kong if fans are open to it, emphasizing that injuries are an unfortunate aspect of football. They highlighted the harsh reality of sports injuries amid criticism directed at various stakeholders.