Lionel Messi and David Beckham faced boos and jeers from fans after Messi sat out Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
The World Cup-winning captain, who is dealing with a hamstring strain, remained on the bench throughout the 4-1 victory against a Hong Kong select XI.
The near-capacity crowd of 38,323, many of whom paid over 1,000 Hong Kong dollars ($125) to see Messi, expressed their disappointment and frustration.
Chants of “We want Messi” echoed throughout the stadium, and the booing intensified when it became clear that Messi would not make an appearance.
Beckham, who is a co-owner of Inter Miami, was also met with boos as he thanked the crowd for their support.
The club’s coach, Gerardo Martino, explained that the decision was made by the medical team due to the risk involved.
Messi’s limited playing time in recent matches raises concerns about his fitness for the upcoming MLS season, which starts on February 21.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 5, 2024
