In a whirlwind of excitement and apprehension, Hong Kong football enthusiasts are bracing for the possibility that Lionel Messi might not grace the field in the highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and a local Hong Kong team. Despite the frenzied sale of tickets, which saw all 40,000 seats sold within an hour, there’s a growing concern that Messi’s participation is not guaranteed. With prices ranging from HK$880 to HK$4,880, the event has also become a hotbed for scalpers, further inflaming the situation.
The match, scheduled for February 4 at the national stadium, is part of Inter Miami’s extensive preseason tour, which includes stops in Riyadh, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The team’s itinerary is packed, raising questions about Messi’s ability to participate in all the matches, especially given the close proximity of the fixtures and the extensive travel involved.
The star-studded squad of Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, is set to feature legends of the game including Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. However, Messi’s appearance is the primary draw for many fans. His anticipated match-up against Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent game in Tokyo add to the uncertainty of his participation in Hong Kong. This concern is exacerbated by a recently announced friendly against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s childhood club, which is likely to be a priority for the Argentine maestro.
Organizers, however, have made it clear that no refunds will be offered if Messi fails to appear, regardless of the method of ticket purchase. This has left many fans in a dilemma, as they grapple with the risk of missing out on seeing the football icon while also contending with the financial impact.
Messi’s global appeal and the high expectations surrounding his appearances have always been a balancing act for his teams. Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino has previously emphasized the importance of not succumbing to external pressures when deciding Messi’s playtime. This approach, while understandable from a team management perspective, does little to assuage the concerns of fans eagerly awaiting Messi’s presence on the pitch in Hong Kong.
As the date approaches, fans in Hong Kong remain hopeful yet apprehensive, caught in the suspense of whether they will witness the magic of Messi in their city or face the disappointment of his absence.
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