Performance in Japan answers many questions - expert

Lionel Messi has clearly shown that his groin injury was not that serious, judging from his performance in Wednesday's friendly match between Inter Miami CF and Vissel Kobe in Tokyo, says a physical education scholar.

Patrick Lau Wing-chung, a professor and associate head of Baptist University's department of sport, physical education and health, said Messi's performance in Japan can address most Hongkongers' questions.

However, it is understood that the administration would not want to push the organizer, Tatler Asia, too hard for a refund of the Inter Miami friendly to prevent scaring away other potential organizers planning to host large-scale events in Hong Kong.

Sources said contacts with international sports teams were made through local sports associations in the past, but this time Inter Miami was invited through a private organization.

Since the contract between the organizer and the football club is classified as "highly confidential commercial information," it is unlike such a contract would be revealed to the public, sources said.

On Messi's injury, Lau claimed the magnetic resonance imaging examination reportedly found Messi's injury to be minor, and the only possible explanation was muscle tightness.

However, Lau said muscle tightness can be easily relieved through acupuncture, massage or other treatments.

From a physiotherapy perspective, he said it would take 10 days to two weeks to recover and was highly unlikely to recover in three or four days.

"He really needs to explain himself, in addition to [injury] what other reasons prevented him from playing," he said.

A man surnamed Lam, who had been a Messi fan for over a decade, uploaded a video on social media in which he cut Messi's jersey into pieces after feeling betrayed for not playing in Hong Kong and then playing in Japan.

The number of complaints surged to 1,178 by 5pm yesterday, with the biggest case involving nearly HK$83,000.

Chiang Yi-Lee, head of Customs and Excise Department's intellectual property investigation bureau, said a dedicated team was set up to handle each complaint.

The department has received 243 reports so far.

Federation of Trade Unions' lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu issued an open letter, giving an ultimatum to organizer Tatler Asia to refund all fans who bought tickets to Sunday's match within a week.

Or else, Tang stressed, he would go on and file a suit with the Small Claims Tribunal.

Tang said after Messi played in Japan, he had received many complaints from local fans to investigate the incident.

He said he has contacted customs and the Consumer Council to express the strong demand of fans seeking an investigation.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com