
After public anger over Messi's absence in Inter Miami's Hong Kong game, organizer withdraws application for funds
New Indian ExpressHONG KONG: The organizer of a soccer match featuring Inter Miami in Hong Kong was dealing with backlash from both angry fans and the government after widespread disappointment that Lionel Messi didn't play in the game. The much-hyped exhibition match on Sunday ended with fans booing Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and demanding refunds as Messi stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes in the game against a local team due to a hamstring strain. Michel Lamunière, chairman of organizer Tatler Asia, said in a news conference on Monday evening that its contract with Inter Miami required Messi and some other football stars in the team to play unless they were injured. Tickets for the game cost up to 4,880 Hong Kong dollars each, and the government had previously approved an application from the organizers for 16 million Hong Kong dollars in funding.
History of this topic

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