- Lionel Messi unexpectedly sat out a Hong Kong exhibition match featuring his club Inter Miami, angering fans and lawmakers who believed he would play in the publicly-funded event.
- Hong Kong authorities are demanding answers from the match organizer and threatening to deduct some of the HK$15 million ($1.92 million) they provided to sponsor the game.
- The no-show is seen as an embarrassment for Hong Kong’s reputation as a hub for major sporting events, coming on the heels of other recent tourist controversies.
Tatler, the organizer behind the HongKong exhibition match, whose events arm aims to “celebrate the best of Asia and bring communities together to connect, share and learn through experiences showcasing the region’s finest talent.” But the lack of transparency and planning around Messi’s involvement fell far short of those lofty goals.
Hong Kong lawmakers and sports leaders are demanding answers and accountability after soccer superstar Lionel Messi sat out Sunday’s highly anticipated friendly match between his club Inter Miami and a Hong Kong league select team.
Outrage in Hong Kong as Messi Sits Out Sponsored Match organized by Tatler, Officials Threaten to Claw Back Funds
The exhibition game, organized by Tatler Asia and sponsored by the Hong Kong government with HK$15 million (US$1.92 million) in funds, was billed as a chance for local fans to see global icon Messi play. But the Argentine playmaker failed to take the field, angering the tens of thousands who packed Hong Kong Stadium and purchased expensive tickets based on his expected involvement.
Lawmaker Kenneth Fok called on the government to deduct sponsorship funds from the organizer as disciplinary action, saying Inter Miami and Tatler Asia “owed an apology and explanation” for promoting Messi’s participation without certainty. Vice-president of Hong Kong’s Olympic committee Fok slammed the club’s “disrespectful and unacceptable” attitude.
The government has already demanded answers from Tatler Asia, which claimed it did not know Messi would sit out the entire match. Authorities threatened to claw back some of the millions spent sponsoring the event, part of a campaign to boost Hong Kong’s profile.
Lawmaker Michael Tien described the Messi no-show as an “outrageous” blow to Hong Kong’s reputation as a hub for mega-events. The debacle came just weeks after mainland Chinese tourists were stranded for hours at the border following New Year’s festivities.
Beyond event sponsorship funds, lawmakers believe the contract likely included provisions requiring Messi to play a minimum number of minutes barring injury. They demanded Tatler Asia explain any such terms and the lack of transparency around Messi’s participation.
While Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino claimed Messi sat out with a minor hamstring issue, pundits noted the star did not even wear his jersey on the bench, failing to meet basic expectations for a friendly match. “The government is also a victim,” lawmaker Johnny Ng said, noting the desire to boost tourism through such events.
The fiasco has amplified calls for stricter oversight and contractual protections around publicly-funded sporting events. But some lawmakers also cited the match’s positive economic impact, with a 20-30% boost in retail and dining activity around the stadium.
The Lionel Messi exhibition match debacle in Hong Kong represents a potential turning point for the city’s strategy around hosting major international sporting events. While officials pursued extravaganzas like this friendly game as a way to boost Hong Kong’s profile and tourism economy, the lack of assured returns on investment is now glaringly evident.
In the future, Hong Kong authorities would be wise to include stronger contractual guarantees and vetting processes around any public funds allotted to attract superstar talent. Promoters must provide transparency around player availability and incentives to satisfy fans even in the case of last-minute injuries. Officials should also explore insurance options to mitigate risks from cancellations or no-shows.
More broadly, this high-profile flop sounds alarm bells for Hong Kong’s ability to execute mega-events smoothly enough to rise above regional rivals like Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul in attracting tourists. Recent debacles like post-event transportation breakdowns already tarnished the city’s reputation despite world-class infrastructure. Going forward, organizers and policymakers must improve operational oversight across the board.
Rather than chasing blockbuster events focused on single stars, Hong Kong should play to strengths like its vibrant mix of Chinese and global culture. By marketing a diverse portfolio of festivals, exhibitions and conferences, the city can appeal to foreign visitors and mainland Chinese alike. If the territory focuses on steadily building its events portfolio rather than betting big on individual matches, the Messi meltdown may prove a valuable lesson rather than a permanent black eye.
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