Tatler Asia, the organizer of Inter Miami’s friendly with Hong Kong XI, has now apologized to fans after Lionel Messi‘s absence caused a huge backlash. As per Tatler, Inter Miami guaranteed to play their marquee stars Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets for 45 minutes if they were not injured. However, injuries forced both Messi and Suarez to miss the game. Subsequently, fans booed at David Beckham and the Miami entourage.

After issuing a formal apology for disappointing fans, Tatler has guaranteed to refund 50% of ticket prices to all fans who bought tickets for that game. “We will not escape our responsibility as organizers and that is why Tatler Asia will offer all those who purchased match-day tickets from the official channels a 50% refund. Details of the refund process will be provided in a separate communications by mid-March,” Tatler Asia said in a statement. Notably, tickets for this game were sold out within minutes of going for sale, as fans anticipated to see Lionel Messi.

Besides, during a pre-match press conference, Inter Miami’s manager Tata Martino guaranteed that Lionel Messi would play against Hong Kong. He said the club will analyze Messi’s situation in the training session. And La Pulga trained with his teammates while an effervescent Hong Kong crowd watched from the stands.

However, as a game-time decision, Martino benched both Messi and Suarez for the whole game. Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba came in as substitutes in the 2nd half. All this left fans immensely angered. Fan vitriol for not playing Lionel Messi was so intense that Tatler’s apology and refund aren’t too surprising.

Riled-up Hong Kong fans complain after Lionel Messi’s no-show!

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council reportedly received 824 complaints worth $714,000 from fans who were disappointed at Lionel Messi’s absence. Furthermore, the Hong Kong government also demanded answers from Inter Miami. Pointing out that the Argentine played 60 minutes in Japan against Vissel Kobe, the government statement read, “The government hopes the organisers and teams can provide reasonable explanations.”

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Shortly after the match, Martino apologized to fans for the superstar duo’s absence. Meanwhile, La Pulga stressed that he was unlucky not to play. He added it was a ‘shame‘ for him to miss the match. Inter Miami is yet to publicly respond to the Hong Kong government and fans.

Anyhow, Tatler’s response and ticket refund might cool things for the time being.

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