Image Credit: REUTERS
Chinese sports authorities have called off two friendly football matches that were to feature Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Following Messi’s non-appearance for his club, Inter Miami, in a recent exhibition match in Hong Kong, they made this decision.
Argentina’s Scheduled Tour of China
Argentina had planned a tour of China from March 18 to 26. The tour was to include matches against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing.
However, a high-profile friendly match between Inter Miami and a select XI in Hong Kong sparked controversy and refund demands when Messi did not participate, citing an injury.
Interpretation of Messi’s Absence
Certain nationalist politicians and media outlets have construed Messi’s absence in the 4-1 victory of Inter Miami over Hong Kong and his subsequent participation in a similar match in Japan as a slight against China, although no proof has been provided.
Official Statements on the Cancellation
“Beijing does not plan, for the moment, to organise the match in which Lionel Messi was to participate,” the Beijing Football Association, which oversees football in the capital, said in a press release Saturday.
The match in Hangzhou had already been cancelled on Friday evening.
“Given the reasons that everyone knows, according to the competent authorities, the conditions for the event to take place are not met,” said the Hangzhou Sports Bureau.
Messi’s Marketability and Fan Reaction
Even as his career approaches its end, people often regard Messi as the best player of his generation and highly seek after him. He commands high ticket prices worldwide.
Fans who had paid more than 1,000 Hong Kong dollars ($125) to watch the 36-year-old play in the southern Chinese city demanded refunds when he did not play.
They also jeered at the team’s co-owner, David Beckham, as he attempted to thank the crowd.
The Hong Kong government sought an explanation from the match’s organisers, Tatler Asia, who have since promised a 50% refund to spectators.
Messi’s Participation in Japan and Reactions
Just a few days after his non-appearance, Messi played for 30 minutes in a friendly match in Japan.
This sparked outrage and accusations that he had deliberately avoided China.
Messi’s Response and Impact on Argentine Football Federation
Messi expressed regret for not being able to play and expressed his desire to return to the city.
The cancellation of the matches in China poses a problem for the Argentine Football Federation, which views the Asian market as strategic.
In June 2023, Argentina played a friendly match in Beijing, which led to profitable contracts with local companies.
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