Lionel Messi of Inter Miami reacts during the preseason friendly match between Hong Kong Team and Inter Miami at Hong Kong Stadium on February 4, 2024 in Hong Kong, China. Photo: VCG

 
The incident involving Lionel Messi not playing in Hong Kong has no impact on the city’s plans to host mega events, as it is considered just an isolated case, according to a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC) speaking to the Global Times. The city is set to host several major events to enhance its prestige.

In an interview with the Global Times on Sunday, Stanley Ng Chau-pei, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU), mentioned that the situation with Messi is an isolated incident. “And of course, his attitude towards Chinese football fans is not acceptable,” Ng, who is also a Hong Kong deputy to the NPC, told the Global Times.

On February 4, Messi did not participate in the match between his club, Inter Miami, and the Hong Kong celebrity team. However, he did appear in an exhibition match in Tokyo, Japan, on February 7, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among domestic fans on social media in China.

He stated that this incident would not affect Hong Kong’s plan to develop a mega-event economy, as it is already “past tense.” According to Ng, what Hong Kong needs is to focus on the future, revealing that the city will continue to host a variety of art and cultural events in March.

Hong Kong still possesses significant potential in various areas, with advantageous basic infrastructure. Thus, according to Ng, the city should continue to pursue necessary activities.

After Messi’s unannounced absence sparked outrage in Hong Kong, Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, stated that Messi, Inter Miami, and the organizers need to provide the public with a proper explanation. “As a legislator representing the sports sector, this incident must not be allowed to end here,” he asserted following Messi’s appearance in Japan.