Photo:VCG

Amid the backlash caused by soccer star Lionel Messi's messy no-show fiasco in Hong Kong, Tatler Asia, the organizer of the friendly between the Hong Kong Team and Inter Miami on Sunday, said on Friday that it would make a 50 percent refund to those who purchased tickets through "official channels," according to a statement, adding that details about the refund process will be provided in March.

"We apologise to all those who were disappointed by the football match between the Hong Kong Team and Inter Miami CF on Sunday," read the statement.

The Argentinian football star disappointed more than 38,000 local fans and tourists when he sat out the game at the Hong Kong Stadium saying he was injured. However, on Wednesday night, Messi played for over 30 minutes in a stadium in Japan in seemingly high spirits.

In response to the refund decision, the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said it welcomes the decision and considers the compensation package a responsible approach that demonstrates its positive commitment.

The government understands that different sectors of the community may still have many queries about the incident, particularly over Messi not playing at the match in Hong Kong due to injury, yet being able to actively play in Japan three days later, and also doing intense sports on the field for a certain period of time, Hong Kong local media The Standard reported.

The government said it hopes the club will provide "reasonable explanations" to Hongkongers and fans who traveled to the city for the match, according to media report.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, said on Wednesday night that Messi, Inter Miami and the organizers need to offer the public a proper explanation. "As a legislator representing the sports sector, the incident must not be allowed to end here," he wrote after Messi played in Japan.

Global Times