Messi's participation in a friendly match during Miami International's trip to Hong Kong caused dissatisfaction among fans, and the SAR government twice expressed its extreme disappointment.
Fok Kai-kung, a member of the Legislative Council for Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publishing, also issued a statement expressing his great disappointment with the arrangement of the organizer Tatler.
Huo Qigang pointed out that in the past period, tatler has been using the "king of football" Messi as a solicitation. The overwhelming publicity has attracted the eager anticipation of citizens and fans, and the tickets were sold out in an instant. As of today's game, a large number of citizens arrived near the Hong Kong Stadium four hours in advance to prepare for the game, hoping to catch a glimpse of the "football king" Messi. He believes that Tatler and Miami International need to apologize and explain to all Hong Kong citizens.
Fok Qigang also said that Miami Inter paid a sky-high fee to visit Hong Kong. Although Messi was unable to play, the team did not increase interaction with the public in other ways to respond to and meet the public's expectations and support. This is a good thing for the fans and Hong Kong citizens. There is a lack of respect and an unacceptable attitude.