“His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting” - Hong Kong lawmaker blasts Lionel Messi over friendly snub

Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip has blasted Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi after he failed to make an appearance during a friendly against Hong Kong XI.

Messi's Inter Miami faced Hong Kong XI in a friendly on Sunday, February 4. The Herons cruised to a 4-1 win, with Robert Taylor, Lawson Sunderland, Leonardo Campana, and Ryan Sailor scoring one goal apiece.

An estimated 38,000 fans at the Hong Kong Stadium paid up to $624 to catch a glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner play live. However, much to their fury, Messi remained on the bench for the entire duration of the game due to a reported hamstring adductor injury.

Government officials were allegedly informed on multiple occasions that the Argentine ace would feature. Despite being contractually obligated to play at least 45 minutes, Tata Martino opted not to risk Messi.

"Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter-Miami, and the black hand behind them for the deliberate and calculated snub. Messi should never be allowed to return to Hong Kong. His lies and hypocrisy are disgusting," Ip told BBC Sport (via GOAL).

To add insult to injury for the Hong Kong fans, Messi made a second-half appearance against Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe just three days later, with Inter Miami losing the game 4-3 on penalties.

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"Will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona" - When Deco made a bold claim on Lionel Messi

Barcelona sporting director Deco made a pointed claim in October 2023, stating that Lionel Messi would get his farewell game at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The 36-year-old was emotionally forced to leave the Blaugrana in the summer of 2021 due to their financial woes. He went on to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for two years.

Many fans thought Messi deserved a proper farewell, fitting for arguably the club's greatest-ever player.

"He [Messi] will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don't know. He will always be the greatest idol in the club's history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo, but he is perhaps the greatest of all," Deco told Lance (via ESPN).

Lionel Messi plied his trade for Barcelona for 17 seasons, scoring 672 goals and registering 303 assists in 778 appearances across competitions. He helped the club win 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies amongst other honors.