Messi match organisers to refund $2 million gov’t funding

Messi match organisers to refund $2 million gov’t funding

Organisers of a Hong Kong football match which drew boos after star man Lionel Messi failed to play they deeply regretted the no-show, and would withdraw a bid for a HK$16 million ($2 million) government grant.

Instead the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has a leg muscle strain, stayed on the bench throughout Inter Miami’s 4-1 win against a Hong Kong select XI.

The match ended with Messi, his Inter Miami team and club co-owner David Beckham being booed off by nearly 40,000 irate fans who had shelled out large sums to see the World Cup-winning captain play.

Fans who had paid upwards of 1,000 Hong Kong dollars ($125) to see Messi chanted “Refund!”, gave thumbs-down signs and drowned out Beckham with jeers as he tried to thank the crowd.

 “Tatler Asia deeply regrets the disappointing ending to what was an exciting occasion,” said Michel Lamuniere, chairman and CEO, in the statement.”(Tatler Asia) has decided to officially withdraw its application for… the HK$16 million government grant.”

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Lamuniere said the organisers were made aware that Messi would not play only at half-time, after he had been named among the substitutes, and “Tatler Asia immediately informed the government”.

That appeared to contradict Hong Kong’s sports minister who told reporters earlier that government officials had been repeatedly assured Messi would play, even after half-time.