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Latin Times
Latin Times
Sport
Héctor Ríos Morales

Lionel Messi Addresses Strong Backlash from China After Missing a Game in Hong Kong

Lionel Messi stayed on the bench throughout Inter Miami's 4-1 win against a Hong Kong select XI on February 4 (Credit: AFP)

SEATTLE - More than two weeks since Inter Miami's tour around Asia, Lionel Messi is still facing backlash from Chinese fans after the Argentine superstar missed a game in Hong Kong due to an adductor injury.

Although Messi missed the game due to injury, he was seen partaking in Inter Miami's friendly game in Japan just a few days later, causing significant discontent between Chinese soccer fans. State media outlet Global Times accused Messi and Inter Miami of skipping the game for "political motives" and "embarrassing" Hong Kong.

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