Football: Messi and Beckham booed by the public in Hong Kong because of the Argentinian's package

Lionel Messi was expected.

The Argentinian and David Beckham were booed on Sunday by fans, disappointed not to see him during Inter Miami's pre-season friendly match against a Hong Kong selection.

The winner of the 2022 World Cup, who is suffering from a strained hamstring, remained on the bench watching his teammates win in style (4-1).

His absence aroused the anger of the 38,323 spectators who had paid at least 125 dollars (115 euros), and often much more, to see their hero on the field.

Midway through the second half, chants of

"We want Messi"

rose up in the stadium from supporters desperate not to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or in action.

The boos intensified in the last ten minutes of the match, when it became clear that the 36-year-old Argentine would not make a single appearance.

INTER MIAMI BOOED OFF THE FIELD IN CHINA 😡

The mood in Hong Kong turned sour after Messi didn't play in the #InterMiamiCF friendly.

40,000 fans sang "Refund refund" and "Where is Messi?"

(who sat on the bench).

Beckham also booed post-match.pic.twitter.com/gjnbEfSRUr

— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) February 4, 2024

Disappointed, the public was unable to benefit from the talent of the other Inter Miami star, Luis Suarez, who did not come into play due to a knee injury.

The Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba took the field on the hour mark.

“We understand the disappointment of the supporters”

Beckham, co-owner of the Miami club, was drowned out by screams when he tried to thank the crowd "for their incredible support", as fans showed their anger with thumbs-down gestures.

“We understand the fans' disappointment due to the absence of Leo (Messi) and Luis Suarez,” Miami coach Gerardo Martino told reporters, explaining that the club's medical team had made the decision on same day of the match.

“We would have liked to play Leo and Luis at least for a moment,” he continued, “but the risk was too great.”

Messi played just six minutes in Miami's last match in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and he is not sure he will be ready for the new MLS season which begins on February 21.

In June 2023, more than 60,000 Indonesian spectators also expressed their dissatisfaction following the idol's withdrawal from a friendly match between Indonesia and Argentina.