Upset Inter Miami fan kicks Lionel Messi poster in frustration
One unhappy Inter Miami fan expressed his frustration by kicking a poster of Lionel Messi after the star missed the team’s pre-season match in Hong Kong due to an injury. The incident occurred at Hong Kong Stadium, where 40,000 fans had gathered, paying 1,000 Hong Kong dollars each to attend. Despite a 4-1 victory for Inter Miami against a local All-Star XI, many fans were still dissatisfied with Messi’s absence due to a hamstring problem.
The absence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led to reactions from Hong Kong’s political leaders, who expressed disappointment in the organizers’ handling of the situation. Government officials believed Messi was contractually obligated to appear for 45 minutes and were disappointed in the organizers’ arrangements. The Hong Kong government’s major sports events committee (MSEC) also voiced their disappointment over the situation, stating that the organizers owe all football fans an explanation.
They had reportedly provided financial support for the event, but now the organizers have decided not to accept the funds due to Messi’s absence from the match. Tatler Asia, the company responsible for the event, expressed regret over the disappointing outcome and decided to withdraw its application for the government grant. The CEO acknowledged the disappointment over Messi’s absence from the match.
Footage showing a fan kicking down a poster of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi surfaced, illustrating the frustration felt by some supporters. Despite the attempts to appease the situation, the dissatisfaction over Messi’s absence from the match lingered among the fans and the event organizers.
