Lionel Messi's decision to play in a friendly match for Newell's Old Boys rather than in Hong Kong has sparked controversy. Chinese football fans taunted Messi over the Falklands issue, leading to tensions between Hong Kong, China, U.S., Japan, and Argentina. Inter Miami's coach Tata Martino confirmed that Messi will start in the upcoming friendly. However, Sergio Busquets will not play to save him for the season opener against Real Salt Lake on Feb 21.
Lionel Messi not playing in a friendly in Hong Kong has sparked anger in China and a diplomatic incident involving Inter Miami, David Beckham & the Argentina national team. @AdamCrafton_ on the attempt to gain a new fanbase gone wrong ⤵️ https://t.co/eN5fLmtXrI
Special report: How Hong Kong & Chinese politicians, sport authorities, state media & social media spectacularly turned on Lionel Messi, placing the star at the epicentre of cultural and geopolitical tensions between HK, China, U.S., Japan and Argentina. https://t.co/AilW9sVVd2
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino on Sergio Busquets (ankle injury): “If season opener were tomorrow, he would play. But he will not play (vs Newell’s) because we want to save him for Feb 21 season opener (vs Real Salt Lake). @HeraldSports @MiamiHerald #InterMiamiCF #MLS
Newell’s Old Boys coach Mauricio Larriera smiled and non-committal when I asked about rumor that Messi will play a few minutes in shirt of Newell’s, his hometown club, tomorrow vs Inter Miami. @MiamiHerald @HeraldSports @InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 #InterMiamiCF #MLS
Lionel Messi gets some Argie-bargie from Chinese football fans who taunt him over the FALKLANDS https://t.co/ksYVHBEgy3 https://t.co/BudMN8tbjQ
Chinese football fans celebrate British rule in Falklands after Messi no-show https://t.co/3Mrrddyd1L
Tata Martino reveals that Messi will start Thursday's friendly vs Newell's. Another "deliberate and calculated snub” to Hong Kong. https://t.co/1UcpxSk9HP