Tatler Asia apologizes over Messi’s no show in Hong Kong and offers 50pc refund

Tatler Asia, the pusher behind Inter Miami’s visit to Hong Kong last week, has apologized to football fans over Lionel Messi’s absence in a friendly fixture and announced they will be offering a 50 percent refund to those who purchased match-day tickets via official channels. 

“Details about the refund process will be provided in a separate communication by mid-March,” according to the statement released on Instagram on Friday. 

“We will not escape our responsibility as organizers,” Tatler said, adding that they have been in discussions with the government as well as the Consumer Council. 

Tatler also pointed out that Miami had committed under contract that marquee players – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets – would be required to play for 45 minutes unless injured. 

Tatler acknowledged that injuries are a part of the game but “the seeming lack of respect shown to the crowd” was what upset them. 

The organizer added they had pleaded with Inter Miami’s ownership and management to urge Messi to engage with spectators and explain why he couldn’t play but in vain. 

“The fact that Messi and Suarez played in Japan on February 7 feels like another slap in the face,” Tatler said. 

“An event that we had hoped to be the pride of the city, and which we have worked very hard on for months, has become the source of great heartbreak. Once again, we are deeply sorry.” 

The government welcomed Tatler’s decision and said the compensation option is a responsible act by the organizer. 

“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.” 

The government said it hopes the club will provide “reasonable explanations” to Hongkongers and fans who traveled to the city for the match.