Lionel Messi, the Barcelona legend turned Paris Saint-Germain maestro, finally addressed the growing controversy surrounding his absence from the highly anticipated friendly match against Inter Miami in Hong Kong on February 4th. His statement, published on a popular Chinese social media platform, aims to quell the speculations and anger that erupted after he appeared in a subsequent friendly in Japan just days later.
The initial no-show in Hong Kong, coupled with his appearance in Tokyo, ignited strong reactions, particularly within Chinese state media and certain segments of the fan base. Many interpreted this as a deliberate snub, attributing it to political factors surrounding Hong Kong’s complex relationship with mainland China. However, Messi’s statement unequivocally denies any political motivation behind his decision.
“I want to make it very clear that there are absolutely no political reasons behind my absence in the Hong Kong match,” he wrote firmly. “If that were the case, I wouldn’t have even come to Asia at all. I have always enjoyed a positive relationship with China and its fans, and I cherish their support.”
Instead, Messi emphasized a physical reason for his absence: an inflamed adductor muscle sustained during Argentina’s previous friendly in Saudi Arabia. He reiterated that he had openly communicated this injury at a press conference and tried to play in both subsequent matches despite the discomfort.
“I had soreness in my adductor after the Saudi Arabia game,” he said. “I made an attempt to play a little in the second game (in Miami versus Inter Miami), but things became worse. I practiced and forced myself to play for the people who had come to see me the day before the Hong Kong match, but the anguish persisted.”
However, Messi admitted that the injury improved over the following days, allowing him to make a substitute appearance in the Japan friendly. This decision seemingly fueled the controversy, leaving fans in Hong Kong feeling slighted.
The fallout from this incident has been significant. Two Chinese cities, Hangzhou and Beijing, have cancelled Argentina’s scheduled friendly matches in March. There is also a palpable divide within the Chinese fan community, with some accepting Messi’s explanation while others remain skeptical.
This episode highlights the growing complexities faced by athletes operating in an increasingly politicized global landscape. Their actions can be easily misinterpreted and weaponized, turning them into unwitting pawns in complex geopolitical games. This is particularly true for international football, a sport deeply intertwined with national identities and historical grievances.
The question now remains: will Messi’s statement be enough to mend the situation? While it may not appease everyone, his clarification sheds light on the potential human cost of such controversies. The ongoing dialogue and transparency, not just from Messi but also from organizers and Chinese officials, will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that the beautiful game remains just that: a source of joy and connection, not division.