Tatler Asia, the luxury lifestyle platform, organized a game between Inter Miami and a Hong Kong XI, promising to the government that Lionel Messi would be playing in the second half of the match. However, fans were left disappointed when Messi decided to sit out of Sunday’s game, citing an injury.
According to Yeung, the head of the luxury lifestyle platform’s contract with the government required Messi to play for at least 45 minutes unless he was ill or injured. Despite officials pressing Tatler during the match about Messi’s absence, they were only informed 10 minutes before the game ended that he would remain on the sidelines due to an injury.
The minister expressed disappointment at the lack of knowledge about the severity of Messi’s injuries and the decision to bench him throughout the match. He also emphasized the need for Tatler Asia to be accountable to ticket holders, fans, and tourists, and demanded a thorough explanation of the incident.
Lawmakers and Sports industry leaders also called for disciplinary measures against the match’s organizer and Inter Miami, including the possibility of deducting sponsorship funds. This incident was seen as a blow to Hong Kong’s reputation as an events hub and raised concerns about the government’s ability to host major events.
Tens of thousands of fans, including those who had flown in from mainland China and other parts of Asia, were left disappointed and called for a refund. The incident also sparked an altercation between angry fans and hotel staff outside the team’s hotel after the game.
The government, which had spent millions on sponsoring the event, is now considering taking back funding. The organiser’s failure to adequately inform the public about Messi’s absence was seen as disrespectful and unacceptable by lawmakers and sports industry leaders.
The futile attempts to see Messi play have raised concerns about the city’s ability to manage major events and has left fans furious and disappointed. Lawmakers and industry leaders are now urging the government to implement stricter measures in managing and monitoring such events in the future.
