• Lionel Messi’s absence from a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong led to frustrated fans chanting “refund” during the match
• Despite paying over 1,000 Hong Kong dollars per ticket, nearly 40,000 spectators expressed discontent over Messi’s sidelined status

Disgruntled fans in Hong Kong voiced their frustration during a pre-season friendly as Inter Miami took on a local League XI, with Lionel Messi notably absent from the pitch. The 36-year-old Argentina World Cup winner, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, remained on the bench as Inter secured a 4-1 victory in front of nearly 40,000 spectators.

The absence of Messi prompted chants of “refund” from the disappointed crowd, overshadowing a speech by Inter co-owner David Beckham, which was met with resounding booing.

According to the Hong Kong government, Messi’s contract stipulated his participation for a minimum of 45 minutes. However, authorities were informed of his inability to play due to an abductor injury only ten minutes before the conclusion of the match.

With each spectator having paid over 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket, the near-capacity crowd of 38,323 expressed their discontent over Messi’s absence, highlighting the anticipation and financial investment associated with his potential appearance.

Super Eagles to face world champions Argentina in friendly

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face world champions Argentina in a friendly in March.

The friendly is slated for the Guangdong Olympics Centre Stadium in China.

The date for the game will be announced by the organisers later.

The Super Eagles will use the friendly to prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.

Jose Peseiro’s side are yet to record a win in the qualifiers after two games.

The three-time African champions held the Crocodiles of Lesotho to a 1-1 draw in their first game.

In their second game, they also played a 1-1 draw with the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

The Guangdong Olympics Stadium, also known as the Aoti Main Stadium, was opened in 2001.

The multi-purpose stadium has a capacity of 80, 012. It is the second-largest stadium in China by seating capacity.