Janice R. Andrews
In an unexpected turn of events, Lionel Messi’s absence from a recent friendly match caused Argentina to unexpectedly cancel their much-anticipated March visit to China. The decision was made in response to Messi’s absence from an Inter Miami game against a Hong Kong XI, which left both fans and officials deeply disappointed.
The first blow was when Hangzhou sports authorities said that the Argentina-Nigeria friendly would not go forward, citing Messi’s withdrawal as a major contributing reason. Not long after, the Beijing Football Association decided not to go ahead with the second planned match against Ivory Coast, making it clear that they had no intention of playing Messi.
Due to an adductor injury, Messi was unable to play in the friendly against the Hong Kong XI, which infuriated the crowd and drew condemnation from the authorities. The event’s organizers, together with Inter Miami, apologized for Messi’s absence, saying that, barring injury, important players like Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez would participate for at least 45 minutes. Nevertheless, Suárez’s injury kept him out of action as well, which made supporters even more disappointed.
The friendly match’s organizers, Tatler Asia, responded quickly to the unhappiness by offering a portion of the tickets to the disgruntled spectators. However, the harm was already done, and the effects were felt more widely.
Messi’s absence from the Hong Kong match had an impact on the entire planned trip of China, even if he later played for 30 minutes against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo during Inter Miami’s Asian tour.
The focus of the tour now shifts to other plans for the March friendly against Nigeria and Ivory Coast, after the cancelation of the China leg. The Argentinian Football Association is looking into other locations to hold these games, according to sources that Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic quoted. This is to make sure that the much-anticipated matches still happen.
The cancelation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sporting events and the difficulties presented by injuries and unanticipated situations, even though it may upset Chinese fans who were excitedly anticipating the chance to watch their footballing stars in action.
Fans worldwide, anxious to see Messi and his teammates’ brilliance on the international stage, will be watching for additional information regarding the postponement of the highly anticipated friendlies against Nigeria and Ivory Coast as Argentina’s footballing odyssey takes an unexpected turn.
