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After Lionel Messi's unforeseen absence from a highly anticipated match in Hong Kong, organized by Inter Miami, sparked significant backlash, the event's promoter has announced a 50% refund to attendees. This decision comes in the wake of strong criticism from both the Hong Kong government and football enthusiasts, leading Tatler Asia, a renowned magazine and lifestyle entity, to incur a financial hit of 56 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately £5.7 million).
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Messi's No-Show Sparks Outrage and Financial Fallout
The disappointment stemmed from Messi's non-participation in the eagerly awaited friendly match due to a groin injury, a situation that led to public dismay and vocal protests from fans in Hong Kong, especially when the football icon participated in another game in Tokyo shortly after. Messi expressed regret over the situation in a Weibo post, emphasizing his commitment to excellence in every game and expressing a desire to make amends with Hong Kong fans.
The incident escalated, drawing criticism from state media and officials in mainland China and Hong Kong, who interpreted the mishap as a deliberate affront. Notably, Regina Ip, a senior official in Hong Kong, voiced strong opposition to Messi and Inter Miami on social media, suggesting a ban on Messi's return to Hong Kong.
Political and Social Ramifications
In the aftermath of Messi's appearance in Tokyo, skepticism regarding the injury claim surfaced, with suggestions that the incident's implications extended beyond the sports domain. Tatler Asia, in response, issued an apology for the disappointment caused by the match's outcome but also shared their heartbreak over the unfulfilled promise of a world-class sporting event in Hong Kong. The involvement of David Beckham as a co-owner of Inter Miami added to the event's high expectations.
The controversy also led to the cancellation of an upcoming Argentina international friendly match against Nigeria in China, further highlighting the wide-reaching consequences of the debacle. Amidst the uproar, human rights concerns related to the event's location were raised by activists, urging continued scrutiny beyond the gesture of ticket refunds.
Financial Implications and Future Actions
Tatler Asia's decision to offer refunds followed over a thousand complaints and legal threats from disgruntled ticket holders, leading to a substantial financial loss for the brand, which also retracted a request for government funding to support the event. The situation remains tense, with Inter Miami yet to respond to the unfolding events.