Amidst controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s absence, China cancels Argentina matches.
Following Lionel Messi’s absence from an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong due to a groin injury, Chinese officials called off two Argentina friendlies scheduled to take place in China.
These matches against Nigeria and the Ivory Coast were initially planned for March in Hangzhou and Beijing, respectively.
However, Messi’s decision not to play sparked outrage among Chinese fans, especially when he later participated in a match against Vissel Kobe in Japan just three days after his absence in Hong Kong.
The Beijing Football Association declared on Saturday that they currently have no intentions to host the match Messi was expected to participate in.
Similarly, the sports bureau in Hangzhou announced the cancellation of their match on Friday, stating that the necessary conditions for the event were not met, alluding to the controversy surrounding Messi’s absence.
In Hong Kong, fans expressed their frustration by jeering Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and demanding refunds after Messi did not play. The disappointment among fans led to Tatler Asia, the match organizers, offering a 50% refund to attendees as a gesture to appease the disgruntled spectators.
The abrupt cancellation of the Argentina friendlies highlights the significant impact of Messi’s absence on the scheduled matches and the repercussions it had on the relationship between the organizers and the disappointed fans in China.
The episode underscores the immense influence Messi wields not only in the footballing world but also in the realm of international sports diplomacy.
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