The organizers of the friendly match between Inter Miami and the stars of the Hong Kong championship (4-1) will refund spectators 50% of the ticket price due to the absence of Argentine striker Lionel Messi on the field.
Inter Miami had committed under contract that their marquee players would be required to play for 45 minutes unless injured. But as it turned out, we were informed by Inter Miami CF that Messi and Suarez could not play due to injury. We will not escape out responsibility as organizers and that is why Tatler Asia will offer all of those who purchased match-day tickets from the official channels a 50% refund.
Tatler Asia statement
There were 38,000 spectators in the stands and ticket prices for the game started from €115. After the match, the Hong Kong government demanded Inter Miami explain why Messi did not take the field. The American club apologized to the fans.
Earlier it became known about the incident between the bodyguard of the eight-time winner of the Golden Ball and a security officer in Hong Kong.