Messi sent a video in response to the controversy of the Hong Kong trip: He didn't play because he was injured and has special feelings for China
On February 19, Beijing time, Messi posted a video on his official Weibo, explaining that he did not appear in Hong Kong, China, but did not apologize to Chinese fans.
On February 4, Miami International defeated the Hong Kong All-Stars 4-1 in the warm-up match. However, the high-profile Messi did not enter the squad, did not play, and did not accept the award and speak as the captain after the game, and was accused of "blackface" to the fans, causing an uproar.
Subsequently, coach Martino and Inter Miami said that Messi's absence was due to edema of the adductor muscles and physical discomfort. Messi also explained at the press conference of the trip to Japan, and said that he hoped to go to Hong Kong, China again in the future, but did not apologize.
Three days later, before the Miami International match against Vissel Kobe, Messi posted on his official Weibo, expressing regret for "not playing" and congratulating Chinese fans in advance on the good luck of the Year of the Dragon, but there was still no formal apology. Immediately afterwards, he came on as a substitute in the game, causing more doubts and dissatisfaction in public opinion.
Because of Messi's non-appearance, Argentina's trip to China in March has been canceled, and it has become doubtful whether he can come to China again. However, the organizers' inconsistencies in the statements about exactly when Messi will not be able to play have also become a major controversy.
Until today, Messi finally posted a video on his official Weibo, with the caption: "Happy Year of the Dragon, fans and friends! I want to clarify some facts through this video, and thank you again for all the fans who came to Hong Kong, China to support me and the team, thank you for your shouts, cheers and love." A big hug to everyone. ”
In the video, he said: "Hello everyone, I have spent and heard a lot of words that were mentioned after the competition in Hong Kong, China, I want to record this video to give the real situation, I hope you will not regret not continuing to see false news." As the fans know, I always want to be in every game, always want to be on the pitch, and I've heard people say that I don't want to play for political reasons or many other reasons, but that's not true. If that were the case, I wouldn't even go to Japan, or visit China as many times as I have done before. From the very beginning of my career, I have had a very close and special relationship with China, where I have interviews, competitions and events. Let me make good memories. As a player, I also played a lot here for Barcelona and the national team. As I said at the press conference, the truth was that I had adductor inflammation that I felt before the first friendly in Saudi Arabia, so I didn't play. In the second match in Saudi Arabia, I tried to play for a while, but it got worse, and then the day before the game in Hong Kong, I tried to go to training and work hard for all the goals that came to watch the training, I did everything I could, and I also participated in the football interaction with the kids at the end of training, but I couldn't really play, I felt unwell and there was a risk of aggravating the injury. After a few days, the injury felt a little bit better and that's why I played in Japan for a while and I wanted to get back some form for the upcoming league games. At the launch, I already said everything. But I think in the face of all this false information, and now I will say this again, as always, I want to send my best wishes to all the fans in China, I have always had special feelings for you, and I hope that soon, we will see you again. Big hugs, take care. ”
At this time, a full 15 days have passed since Messi's non-appearance incident - I don't know if it's too late?