Overview

• Lionel Messi addresses backlash over his absence from a Hong Kong friendly, citing injury and denying political motives.
• Messi's absence sparks a review of Hong Kong's government handouts for major sporting events, with changes expected by the third quarter of the year.
• Chinese fans and officials express anger, leading to the cancellation of Argentina's friendlies in China.
• Messi's move to Inter Miami has significantly increased ticket prices in the MLS, likened to watching Michael Jordan at his peak.
• Despite Messi's explanations, skepticism and disappointment persist among fans and officials in Hong Kong and mainland China.