Lionel Messi was due to play at least 45 minutes of Inter Miami's friendly match in Hong Kong. The Argentine star was forced to withdraw due to a strained hamstring.
The Hong Kong government threatened to withdraw 1.9 million euros in public funding from the event's organizer, Tatler Asia. The 38,323 spectators who had paid a minimum of 125 dollars (115 euros) to see their idol in action were angered. David Beckham was drowned out by boos when he tried to thank the crowd for their support.