Messi says bad luck that he couldn’t play in Hong Kong, hopes to return in future

Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Messi said on Tuesday that it was bad luck that he couldn’t play in Hong Kong, as he also couldn’t guarantee he would be fit to play against Vissel Kobe the next day. 

During a press conference in Japan, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “This afternoon we’re going to practice, we’ll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was.” 

Responding to the “refund” drama in Hong Kong, Messi said: “It was really bad luck that I couldn’t play in Hong Kong. 

“Unfortunately this happens in football, in any game it can happen that you can’t play,” he added. 

“I always want to participate, I want to play, especially in these games where we travel so far and people want to see our games. I hope we can return and play a game in Hong Kong. 

“I played the minutes that I did to see how I felt,” he explained. “I later did a MRI scan and it turned out I had an oedema (swelling).” 

Sunday’s friendly fixture between Inter Miami and a local league Hong Kong XI only saw midfielder Sergio Busquets and left back Jordi Alba take to the pitch. 

Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez changed and warmed up for a while but wasn’t subbed in; Messi was benched the entire game. 

At the post-match press conference, coach Gerardo Martino apologized for not fielding Messi and Suarez, who had inflammation in the adductor and a knee injury respectively, saying the risk was too big. 

Still, the event ended in boos and jeers as supporters cried for a refund. 

(Staff reporter and AFP)