Hong Kong government asks for explanation and fans are angry about not seeing injured Messi play
By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s sports minister has reiterated the government’s call for an explanation from the organizer of a soccer match between Inter Miami and a local team following widespread disappointment over Lionel Messi remaining on the bench throughout the entire game. The much-hyped exhibition match on Sunday ended with fans booing Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and demanding refunds as Messi did not play due to a hamstring strain. The fans’ reaction was a setback for Hong Kong officials who sought to boost the city’s image as a hub for mega events amid a slow economic recovery and Beijing’s crackdown on dissidents.