An article reviews Messi's trip to Japan: 2 explanations of missing games + substitute appearances!
On February 8, Beijing time, Messi's trip to Japan has ended, and the substitute appearance against Vissel Kobe caused an uproar, we might as well review it.
Leave Hong Kong and travel to Japan
On February 5, Messi, who had not played the night before, and the entire Miami International team left the hotel and took a bus to the airport and flew to Tokyo, Japan.
In the evening, the organizer issued a statement saying that Miami International confirmed Messi's substitute before the game, and temporarily said that Messi was injured at halftime, and decided to withdraw the government funding application of 16 million Hong Kong dollars.
Messi explained his absence for the first time
On February 6, John Lee, the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, expressed his extreme disappointment at Messi's failure to appear at the press conference and asked the organizer to announce the content of the contract. Huo Qigang released a long article, angrily saying that he was carefully prepared to be trampled on, the fans were not respected, and Miami International wanted to apologize.
In his pre-match press conference in Japan, Messi responded to the absence for the first time, saying: "Unfortunately, I felt a problem with my adductor muscles in the first game in Saudi Arabia and then tried to play in the second game. I checked my condition and did an MRI showing that the adductor muscles were swollen and there were no injuries, but I still didn't feel well. There are a lot of fans in Hong Kong, and I wanted to participate, but unfortunately the situation became difficult, and that's part of football. Any game can happen, which is understandable, but some people are looking forward to playing in Hong Kong, so I hope we can find some opportunities to play in Hong Kong. ”
In Hong Kong, China, Messi did not attend the pre-match press conference, but coaches Martino and Suarez attended together.
Train as usual and attend dinner
On February 6, Miami International conducted a training session, in which Messi participated, and showed good form in running, passing or shooting, and scored 1 goal.
The whole Miami International team participated in the dinner of the Japan trip, and Messi sat in the C seat and smiled very happily. The organizer posted: "At the party in Japan, it was great to see the players happy!"
In Hong Kong, China, Messi only participated in the lap grab and jogging sessions in the open training session the day before the game, and did not join the group confrontation or participate in any public activities, but it is reported that he participated in a private meeting.
Enter the roster and explain the absence again
On February 7, Miami International officially issued a statement in response to Messi's absence from the game, saying that the player's health is the first priority and he is eager to return to Hong Kong, China in the future.
At 18 o'clock, the match between Miami International and Vissel Kobe will begin, the home team announced the names of both teams 80 minutes before the game, while Miami International announced the starting lineup 30 minutes before the game, and Messi entered the substitute list.
In Hong Kong, Miami International submitted Messi in the list submitted at the beginning, and he was also a substitute, but the official list was announced 1 minute before the game, and Messi did not even enter the bench.
Three minutes before the start of the game, Messi spoke through the official blog, explaining the absence again: "All fans and friends in Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, hello everyone. As I said at the press conference earlier, I was unfortunately unable to play in the friendly match in Hong Kong due to a groin injury, which was swollen and painful. Friends who know me will know that I want to give my best in every game, especially when I travel so far with my team-mates and the fans are looking forward to seeing us fit and healthy. Hopefully one day we will have the opportunity to come back and play for the fans and friends in Hong Kong. I also look forward to coming back to the mainland as soon as possible to share the joy of football with everyone. Give everyone a hug and wish everyone a prosperous Year of the Dragon in advance. ”
Came off the bench and did a great job
In the game against Vissel Kobe, Messi did not start, but came on as a substitute in the 60th minute.
He also performed very well, narrowly missing the penalty shoot-out and losing 4-3 on penalties from Inter Miami.
On Messi's appearance, Martino said: "He felt good in training yesterday afternoon, so we discussed it and played him for 30 minutes. I can understand the disappointment of Hong Kong fans that Messi did not play. But it's hard to get him in that race. ”
Shake hands and present jerseys
After the game, Messi shook hands with the referee, opposing players, and other staff members, and gave his jersey to a member of the coaching staff, before leaving the pitch and waving to the fans in the process.
After the match against Hong Kong, China, Messi did not accept the award as captain or speak publicly to the fans, and stood in the last row when he took a group photo. However, after coming off the bench on the trip to Japan, he also rejected the captain's armband.
Messi probably would not have imagined that his absence in Hong Kong and his appearance in Japan would cause such a big repercussion. But in any case, this trip to Asia has ended, he is about to start a new season, as for whether he can return to China with the Argentine team in March, further official information is needed.