According to coach Tata Martino, the Argentine was injured
Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s match against Hong Kong left the Argentine fans present at the stadium disappointed. The star, who moved to the American club in June 2023 after a spell at PSG, was injured and unable to play, according to coach Tata Martino.
– We understand the fans’ disappointment and ask for forgiveness. We would have liked to play against them, even if only briefly, but the risk was too great – said the coach.
– Leo (Messi) has an inflammation of the adductor as we have seen in the images of his muscles. We expected an improvement, but the situation has already existed for many days – he concluded.
The same happened with the Uruguayan Luis Suárez, ex Grêmio, another strong signing for the team. The absence of him and Messi sparked protests and boos from the fans, who filled the Hong Kong stadium with around 40,000 people. Some even paid up to HK$4,800 (around R$3,000) for a ticket to see the star up close, but had to settle for their presence on the bench.
Inter Miam won the match 4-1, but were hostile to the crowd, who shouted “refund, refund” and “we want Messi”. One of the club’s owners, former England player David Beckham, was also criticized and tried to apologize in a speech after the match.
In a statement, the Hong Kong government said it was “extremely disappointed” by the organization and would seek to recoup some of the $2 million (R$10 million) invested in organizing the event. The Argentine champion, who was warmly welcomed during training, did not comment on the episode.
Inter Miami continues its journey in Asia and will face Vissel Kobe in Japan next Wednesday. He subsequently returned to the United States, where on February 15 he played a friendly match against Newell’s Old Boys, the club that revealed Messi.
Source: Terra
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