Hongkongers amazed by Messi during Inter Miami training session

Hongkongers marveled at the magic touch of Argentine super star Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates during Saturday’s training session as the MLS club received an overwhelming welcome from fans at the Hong Kong Stadium. 

The stadium was rocked by fans’ cheering and chanting as the World Cup winner walked out of the player tunnel, a short while after his teammates including Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba came onto the pitch. 

David Beckham, former England captain and owner of the MLS club, was another who was welcomed by citizens enthusiastically. 

A while after the training session started, there were a few pitch invaders trying to get Messi’s signature and to take a selfie with him but failed to get past the security guards. They were later escorted back to the audience stand. 

Citizens started swarming into the stadium as early as 2.30 pm as it opened its doors. 

Many were wearing the football icon’s legendary no. 10 jersey during his time at Barcelona, while others wore his PSG or Miami jerseys. 

Apart from flying the Barcelona flag, fans brought their homemade banners asking for Messi’s shirt as well. 

Despite being surrounded by Messi’s supporters, 19-year-old Jiao — a university fresher from the mainland — was seen wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s no.7 jersey for Portugal. 

He was traveling with his friends who were all wearing Messi shirts and said he wouldn’t worry about booing from others, believing they were all quality football fans. 

Still, Jiao also brought an extra Messi jersey. 

A father Wong, 40, also brought his nine-year-old son to have a glimpse of the super star. 

He said he bought the tickets from online trading platform Carousell for about HK$700 each, a bit lower than the official price. He didn’t buy tickets for tomorrow’s friendly fixture, though some were available online also at discounted prices. 

Wong said he hopes Manchester United will be the next team coming to Hong Kong to play, adding that he and his son are both supporters of the Red Devils. 

Apart from inviting famous football teams to the city, Wong also hopes the government will allocate more resources to develop the local football sector. 

The friendly fixture between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong XI will kick start at 4 pm tomorrow (Sun). 

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