Lionel Messi’s Three Days of Adulation in Hong Kong Ends in Heartbreak
Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated three-day visit to Hong Kong ultimately led to disappointment for fans, as the star Argentine did not take to the field during Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory against a local League XI in a friendly match. Despite his presence on the bench alongside former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, neither player was brought into the game, leaving the fans crestfallen.
There had been speculations about Messi potentially having a hamstring injury following a substitute appearance in Miami’s 6-0 defeat at Al-Nassr on Friday. Despite this setback, fans still flocked to Hong Kong Stadium to catch a glimpse of their idol during Saturday’s training session and the subsequent match.
The disappointment was palpable among fans, with one 16-year-old, Aasir Mubarak, expressing his excitement to witness Messi in person, stating, “He’s been my idol since day one. It’s my first day looking at Messi in person, so it’s going to be a very special day and I’ll remember this for life.”
Similarly, the World Cup winner was met with adoring fans upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia, with hundreds of fans congregating outside the team hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football legend.
Despite the disappointment, fans in Tokyo can still look forward to Messi’s presence as Miami continues their pre-season tour against J.League champions Vissel Kobe on Wednesday. The team is also set to kick off their Major League Soccer campaign against Real Salt Lake on February 21.
News Highlight :
– Lionel Messi did not play in a friendly match in Hong Kong, disappointing fans
– Thousands of fans had come to see Messi, chanting his name and wearing his team’s colors
– Messi was mobbed by fans when he arrived in Hong Kong from Saudi Arabia
– Fans in Hong Kong are excited for Messi’s upcoming matches in Tokyo and the start of the Major League Soccer campaign
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