In recent days, a David Beckham meme from the Netflix Beckham documentary has taken social media by storm. However, amidst the popularity of this meme, an unfortunate incident occurred during a match involving Beckham's co-owned team, Inter Miami, which has sparked the need for an update to the meme. During a global pre-season tour, Inter Miami played against a Hong Kong select team in a match that ended with a 4-1 victory for the MLS side. While the outcome on the field seemed satisfactory, a major public relations disaster unfolded, leaving fans, sponsors, and the Hong Kong government feeling betrayed by the team.
The root cause of this PR disaster lies in the absence of star player Lionel Messi, who never took to the field during the match. Nearly 40,000 passionate Hong Kong fans had eagerly attended the match, with many spending significant sums ranging from $112 to $570 for a ticket. They were overwhelmingly there to witness Messi's skill and presence in the game. As the clock ticked, and it became apparent that Messi would not be playing, boos and demands for refunds began to echo throughout the Hong Kong Stadium even before the final whistle. To compound matters, when Beckham himself took the field, the boos intensified, surprising many as Beckham generally enjoys popularity in Asia.
Inter Miami later revealed that Messi, along with his teammate Luis Suárez, had not played due to injuries and the need to avoid risking them before the start of the club's MLS season on February 22. However, this crucial information was not communicated to the local fans before the match, leading to confusion and frustration. This situation bears similarities to the disappointment experienced by MLS fans last season when Messi's injuries prevented him from participating in some games. Despite this, his time in the U.S. had otherwise been a positive experience, with warm reception from the American public, thanks in part to promotional efforts by MLS, an Apple TV+ documentary series called 'Messi Meets America,' and even Super Bowl ads. Apple also provided extensive coverage of Inter Miami's world tour by streaming their matches.
However, such goodwill did not extend to the no-show in Hong Kong, and social media erupted in fury. Angry fans vented their frustrations, with some even destroying promotional materials featuring Messi. The backlash targeted not only Beckham and Inter Miami but also the event organizer, Tatler Asia.
The exhibition match held significant importance for Hong Kong, as the visit of Messi, a global icon and record eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, had captured the imagination of local fans, sponsors, and the government. The Hong Kong government backed the game with substantial financial support, providing $1.92 million in funds and an additional $128,000 subsidy to Tatler Asia. The organizers spared no expense in promoting the match, starting their campaign months in advance with Messi prominently featured in all materials. Tatler Asia even sold tickets to Inter Miami's training sessions, allowing hardcore Messi fans to catch a glimpse of their idol.
In the week leading up to the game, Messi's face was ubiquitous in Hong Kong, appearing on public transport, social media, and the famous LED billboards adorning the city's harbor. According to reports, the game contract stipulated that Messi would play a minimum of 45 minutes, unless he was ill or injured. Tatler Asia added to the anticipation when, on January 11, they released a statement reassuring ticket holders that Messi would be involved in playing.
However, signs of trouble emerged on Saturday when Inter Miami arrived at Hong Kong International Airport and declined to participate fully in the official welcoming ceremony. Messi made only sporadic appearances during the open training session. Following the match, the blame game unfolded, and the Hong Kong government expressed its displeasure, stating that it had been assured in the morning that Messi would play. The statement released by the government called for an explanation from the organizers and indicated the possibility of deducting sponsorship funds due to Messi's absence.
In response to the fan outrage, Tatler Asia issued a statement expressing extreme disappointment with Messi and Suárez's failure to participate. They clarified that they had no prior information about their non-participation and stated that both players had been deemed unfit to play by their respective team's medical department.
As for Inter Miami's remaining tour, originally scheduled to continue with a match against Vissel Kobe in Japan on February 7, followed by a finale against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's first club side, on February 15, reports suggest that the Vissel Kobe match has been canceled. This news has triggered further demands from fans for honesty and transparency from Beckham and his team.
The incident in Hong Kong serves as a cautionary tale about managing expectations and ensuring effective communication. It highlights the importance of honoring commitments made to fans and being transparent about player availability. Ultimately, it is crucial for teams, sponsors, and event organizers to recognize the significant impact such incidents can have on fans and the broader community.
