Chinese sporting authorities have called off the upcoming friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria following Lionel Messi's absence from an Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong. Messi's failure to take the field during Inter Miami's match against Hong Kong All-Stars, despite playing in Japan days later, sparked outrage among fans.
The organiser of the Hong Kong match announced a 50% ticket refund for disappointed fans. However, Hangzhou sports authorities decided to cancel Argentina's friendly against Nigeria next month due to the "current well-known reasons."
Tatler Asia, expressing deep regret, apologized to fans for Messi's absence and announced refunds for tickets purchased through official channels. The match in Hong Kong drew 40,000 spectators, some of whom paid up to nearly HK$5,000 ($640) per ticket.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino clarified that Messi was unfit to play in the Hong Kong friendly but later appeared as a substitute against Vissel Kobe.
Tatler Asia expressed disappointment that Messi did not engage with spectators or explain his absence, despite requests from the organisers. Messi's subsequent appearance in Japan felt like "another slap in the face" to disappointed fans.
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