Published 5 months ago

Lionel Messi explains Hong Kong no-show in video to fans as backlash grows

Lionel Messi clarifies his absence in Hong Kong was due to injury, not politics, to dispel false rumors.
Hong Kong politicians criticize Messi, demand refunds for fans, and cancel upcoming friendly matches after the controversy.
The organizer of the Hong Kong match offers a 50% refund to ticket holders due to Messi's no-show.

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NDTV

Lionel Messi Insists Hong Kong No-Show Was Due To Injury, Not Politics

Argentine football star Lionel Messi insisted on Monday that his absence from a match in Hong Kong two weeks ago that drew the ire of spectators was not a snub but prompted by injury. In a video posted on China's Weibo social media platform, Messi rejected chatter that his no-show was "for political reasons" and said if this had been the case, "I would not have traveled" to Hong Kong in the first place. "As everyone knows, I always want to play …

5 months ago·New Delhi, India

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Daily Mirror

Lionel Messi responds to "totally untrue" stories over Hong Kong controversy

Lionel Messi has spoken out on the controversy surrounding his non-appearance in a recent Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong - which has led to two Argentina games being moved

5 months ago·London, United Kingdom

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Sky News UK

Lionel Messi explains Hong Kong no-show in video to fans as backlash grows

In a video posted on Weibo, the footballer appealed directly to his fans in mainland China and Hong Kong, saying his absence was not due to political reasons.

5 months ago·United Kingdom

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The Epoch Times

Lionel Messi Canceled by the CCP After Absence From Friendly Match in Hong Kong

Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi’s absence from a friendly match in Hong Kong between Inter Miami and a local club on Feb. 4, has led to a significant backlash from disappointed fans. Following the incident, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has taken measures to censor Messi’s visibility in state media by excluding him from programs and advertisements. As a result, various brands endorsed by Messi in China are also affected. On Feb. 12, the C…

5 months ago·New York, United States

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Bloomberg

Messi Denies HK No-Show Was Political In Appeal To Chinese Fans

(Bloomberg) -- Lionel Messi sought to draw a line under controversy about his failure to play in a football match in Hong Kong earlier this month, saying his absence wasn’t due to political reasons and he has great affection for China.In a video statement released on Chinese social media late Monday, the Inter Miami star said he wanted to set the record straight after hearing he didn’t play because of politics and “many other reasons.” These are…

5 months ago·United States

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