Lionel Messi’s Leg Improving, But May Miss Inter Miami Pre-Season Match in Japan

Fans in Hong Kong expressed anger by booing Lionel Messi and David Beckham when Messi didn’t play in a sold-out friendly match, despite being a co-owner of the club.

Lionel Messi provided an update on his leg injury, stating that it’s improving. However, he couldn’t confirm his availability for Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly match in Japan this week.

Two days ago, angry fans in Hong Kong booed Lionel Messi and club co-owner David Beckham, demanding refunds, as Messi didn’t play in a sold-out friendly match.

“I don’t know if I can (play) or not, but I feel a lot better and really want to do it,” said eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, addressing reporters ahead of their match against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe on Wednesday.

“This afternoon we’re going to practice, we’ll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was,” Messi added, expressing optimism about his recovery and potential participation in the upcoming match.

Excitement for the friendly at Tokyo’s National Stadium has been building, with Inter Miami’s pink colors adorning parts of the city’s trendy Shibuya district.

Tickets for Inter Miami’s Japan pre-season tour range from 10,000 yen ($68) to 200,000 yen ($1,346), with some “special experience” packages priced higher.

Nearly 40,000 fans in Hong Kong, who paid for expensive tickets, expressed anger and disappointment as Lionel Messi remained on the bench during Inter Miami’s 4-1 win against a local select XI, with jeering and thumbs-down signs prevalent in the crowd.

The Hong Kong government has demanded an explanation from the match’s organizers regarding Lionel Messi’s absence. Messi expressed regret over his inability to play, attributing it to bad luck and acknowledging that such situations are part of football.

Lionel Messi expressed his desire to participate and play in games, especially during international trips, and expressed hope for the opportunity to play a match in Hong Kong in the future. The controversy arose after Messi was only brought on as a substitute for six minutes at the end of Inter Miami’s previous match in Saudi Arabia last Thursday.

Lionel Messi clarified that he played only a few minutes in the previous match to assess his condition, revealing that a subsequent MRI scan revealed he had swelling, or an oedema.

Miami’s victory in Hong Kong marked their first win in five pre-season matches. Prior to this, they had a draw against a team in El Salvador, suffered losses to fellow MLS side FC Dallas, and were defeated twice by club sides in Saudi Arabia.

Miami has one more friendly match scheduled, which will be against Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys at home, before the new MLS season kicks off on February 21st.

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