Hong Kong v Inter Miami explained

Hong Kong v Inter Miami
Event:Tatler XFEST friendly match
Team1:Hong Kong
Team1score:1
Team2:Inter Miami
Team2score:4
Stadium:Hong Kong Stadium
City:So Kon Po, Hong Kong Island
Attendance:38,417

Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF[1] was an exhibition football match between Hong Kong League XI and Inter Miami held in Hong Kong Stadium on 4 February 2024. Inter Miami won the match 4–1, but the no-show of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's star player, greatly disappointed some ticket buyers and members of the government. The costly and highly publicized match, meant to boost Hong Kong's reputation for hosting major events, became a controversy known as the Messi Mess or Messi's Mess .[2]

Organizer Tatler Asia, a fashion magazine with no experience in sports events, had been misleading during and after the match about Messi's expected participation and its knowledge of this, and ultimately agreed to a half-refund of the record-setting ticket prices. Messi and Inter Miami stated that he did not participate due to a medical assessment, while certain commentators, state-controlled media and Chinese government officials accused Messi of anti-China sentiment. This stance caused geopolitical tensions across Argentina, China, Japan, Hong Kong and the United States.

Background

Despite the Hong Kong government having revoked all pandemic restrictions in early 2023, it had not attracted visits from many top-tier celebrities. The imposition of national security law in 2020, the slowing growth of the Chinese economy, and speculations over the slump in the Hong Kong stock market[3] [4] are said to have diminished the attractiveness of Hong Kong. The government therefore decided to boost the economy through world-class events, in order to promote Hong Kong and stimulate spending by the public.[5]

Announcement

According to an interview with Pui Kwan-kay, President of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), an exhibition game had been planned for Inter Miami in Shanghai, to take place in November 2023, but was cancelled due to delays with permits. Since the organising Shanghai sports corporation had paid the deposit and the team had travel plans, intermediaries approached Pui expressing their desire for Hong Kong to take over the match. The rumoured appearance fee was US$10 million, and Shanghai had paid US$3 million. However, Pui said he unequivocally rejected the offer for the "astronomical" and "unrealistic" price. According to Pui, the match was later made possible by the Hong Kong Government, and was scheduled in 2024.[6]

Seen as one of Hong Kong's first major post-pandemic events, Inter Miami announced in December 2023 that it would travel to Asia in February for the club's first international tour, and the team would play a match in Hong Kong on 4 February, taking on the Hong Kong Team.[7] The tour would be organised by Tatler Asia, a fashion magazine catering to the wealthy elite which had no prior experience in hosting sports events. Both Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who previously visited Hong Kong in 2014 and won the World Cup in 2022, and Uruguay footballer Luis Suárez were reported to be joining the tour.[8] [9]

Tatler Asia and Hong Kong officials promoted the event as the "world's top-level football match" and the most prominent sports event of the year in Hong Kong. Chinese and southeast Asian tourists were expected to attend, which would demonstrate the city's capability as the "events capital of Asia". Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said that the government had provided a matching grant of $16 million through the M Mark event subsidy scheme and approved a range of support measures for Tatler Asia, including a venue-hiring grant.[10] [11]

Ticket sales

Tickets for the match were offered for sale in January 2024, priced at $800 to $4,800, setting a record as the city's most expensive football tickets. Nonetheless, with heavy promotion, more than 2 million fans tried to buy the tickets online, and all tickets were sold within an hour. However, Tatler Asia were reluctant regarding Messi's participation, claiming that there was no deal in place and that it would ultimately be the coach's decision as to who plays. This was disputed by a senior government source who said that there were "contract terms specifying that Messi would play in the match, save for illness or injury".[12]

Prior matches

Inter Miami played against Saudi Al Hilal on 29 January and Al Nassr on 1 February.[13] Messi was substituted 87 minutes into the game against Al Hilal, and reportedly felt unwell afterwards; he resumed training on 31 January. Due to requests under contract terms, Messi played for 7 minutes as a substitution in the match against Al Nassr in spite of his club's advice to rest for a few days. This raised concern of his possible injury.[14]

Arrival and training

Arrival

After finishing the match in Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami's delayed flight arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at half past two in the afternoon local time on 2 February,[15] pushing the welcome ceremony back an hour. Manager Gerardo Martino and the squad, including Messi and Suárez, deplaned and took part in a photo session at the airport apron. Then, apparently exhausted in the heat, they boarded a bus without answering reporters' questions,[16] despite requests to stay by the master of ceremonies.[17] Around ten minutes later, Hong Kong officials including sports commissioner Sam Wong, along with Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas and Tatler Asia CEO Michel Lamunière, arrived and took pictures with a group of children who had hoped to meet the footballers.[18] The team meanwhile stayed on the bus, and left the airport a few minutes later.[19]

In a press conference later that afternoon, Martino said Messi had felt a twinge in his hamstring and underwent an MRI earlier that week to assess the problem. They would wait until the day of the game to decide if Messi could play. Martino asserted that the aspiration was that Messi would play as many minutes as possible, but he would most certainly be on the pitch.

Open training

Messi and his Inter Miami teammates took part in an open training session later that day,[20] joined by a record 39,916 spectators,[21] with ticket prices between HK$580 and HK$780.[22] Around 15,000 free tickets were distributed by the government, Laureus Sport for Good, and HKFA to grassroot community organizations, students, youth and para-athletes. Greeted by the large crowd, Messi emerged 15 minutes after his teammates and waved at the fans. However, Messi and Suárez did not participate in as much practice as their teammates, Messi performing back stretches instead.[23] [24]

David Beckham, the club's co-owner who arrived earlier than the team, also appeared and thanked those present for the "special welcome". He was stopped for a selfie by one of several pitch invaders, who brought the event to an early conclusion, with Miami players staying only 40 minutes of the 90 scheduled.

The Miami club also took part in a coaching clinic for 80 local children, where Messi and Beckham were seen playing with the kids.[25]

Private events

Tatler Asia arranged a 30-minute meet-and-greet session and an autograph session with Inter Miami players, priced at HK$150,000 and HK$120,000, respectively.[26]

Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets from Inter Miami, paralympic medalist So Wa-wai, Special Olympics football player Lee Ho-yung, and disability activist Mok Kim-wing met with two severely ill children from Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, and signed autographs.[27]

Match

In an Inter Miami social media post, Messi was not included on the line-up, while Suárez was listed as a substitute.[28] The HKFA's website and the team sheet signed by club staff and submitted to match officials, however, showed Messi listed on the team sheet as a substitute.[29] [30]

Pre-game

At 12.30 p.m., three and a half hours before the scheduled start of 4 p.m., Hong Kong Stadium was opened to spectators.[31] Attendance was recorded at 38,417, while some media reported the figure as 38,323.[32]

Players from both teams entered the stadium at around 3 p.m. for warm-up, though Messi and Suárez were both absent. Government ministers, including Yeung and Financial Secretary Paul Chan, along with tycoons and celebrities were present.[33] Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee was seen chatting with Beckham, as were actor Tony Leung and his actress wife Carina Lau who took photos with the club's owner. Anson Lo and Keung To from local boy group MIRROR performed three songs as pre-game entertainment.

The line-up was announced at 3:55 p.m., with Messi and Suárez appearing and seating themselves at the substitutes benches.

Match details

The match began at 4:07 p.m.. In the 40th minute Taylor feinted to his left from the corner of the box and fired a curling strike past the goalkeeper to open the scoring for Inter Miami. Three minutes later Hong Kong responded with a goal by Anier, equalizing the score at halftime. In the second half, Sunderland latched onto a square pass from the defender and reclaimed the lead at 50 minutes, followed by Campana receiving a pass in the box from Sunderland and scoring six minutes later. In the 62nd minute former Barcelona players Alba and Busquets joined the playing field. The final goal was scored in the 85th minute when Sailor flicked a header into the net, concluding the match with a 1–4 result.[34]

Messi, Suárez benched

As many fans had purchased tickets solely to see the superstar playing,[35] chants of "Messi" could be heard throughout the match. But as it became clear that Messi would not be playing, the boos and chants of "refund" (;,) in Cantonese became louder during the last ten minutes, during which some spectators left. The jeers rose to a crescendo at the final whistle. Suarez had failed to take to the pitch because of a knee injury,[36] while Messi, wearing trousers, was reported to have entered the dressing room during halftime.A trophy was presented to the visiting team, whilst boos and jeers continued to greet the players.[37] Messi stood at the back for team photos and went straight to the dressing room afterwards.[38] Beckham thanked Hongkongers for their "incredible welcome", and "look forward to coming back one day to entertain you even more". His speech was drowned by boos despite the announcer's urge for respect. When he walked around to thank the fans, he signed an autograph for a fan who invaded the pitch and took a selfie.[39] The event was brought to a close by local pop star G.E.M. with hymn "Amazing Grace" and a Spanish version of her song "Gloria", but that did not calm all the frustrations.[40] Some fans redirected their anger at the advertising around the stadium, with Messi's head torn from one display.Martino attended the press conference after the match and was apologetic. He thanked Hongkongers for their openness and said that the team had been treated very well. He defended the decision to not send Messi and Suárez as there was no chance they could play. "We understand fans are very disappointed and we ask for their forgiveness. We wish we could have sent them on the pitch for a while to play, but the risk was too big."[41] He added that Messi had muscle inflammation and Suárez had a swollen knee from the previous match in Saudi Arabia. Martino stressed it had been the decision of the medical team made in the morning after checking their physical situation, and they also had to consider their obligations with the upcoming 2024 Major League Soccer season.[42]

Reaction

The Hong Kong Government issued a statement at 7:32 p.m., about an hour after the match ended.

Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organiser's arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation.
It also said that the match had been awarded M Mark status, a matching grant of HK$15 million, and a grant for venue of HK$1 million by the Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC). It stated that MSEC would take actions with Tatler Asia including "reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match".[43] This was followed a few hours later by another statement criticising the organiser of failing to promptly provide a detailed explanation and Messi for not explaining his absence, and stated that "the way that the organiser and Inter Miami CF handled the situation could not meet the expectations of the fans who showed strong support to Messi, especially those visitors who came all the way here for the match."[44]

Later that day, Tatler Asia released a statement which expressed "extreme disappointment" over Messi's absence but clarified that "despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation".[45] The hotel where Inter Miami stayed was cordoned off by the police as a precaution.[46]

Departure and Japan trip

Speculations grew on whether the final overseas leg of Inter Miami's tour would continue after a scheduled match against Japanese club Vissel Kobe was removed from Apple TV's schedule.[47] Major League Soccer later clarified that the removal was due to logistical difficulties.[48] Inter Miami concluded its visit to Hong Kong on 5 February, leaving in the afternoon after a planned appearance at Kai Tak Sports Park was cancelled.[49] They arrived in Tokyo later that day. Messi was seen more amiable than in Hong Kong.[50]

Messi said in a press conference that "muscle discomfort" had made it difficult for him to play and he hoped to return to Hong Kong "whenever he can". He added he felt "much better" in Japan compared to the past days.[51]

...results showed that I had swelling in the adductor, but there was no injury. ... But the truth is that the discomfort ... made it very difficult for me to play. Unfortunately, it is something that happens in football ... It happened to me and I couldn't be in the game in Hong Kong and it's a shame because I always want to participate[52]
Messi joined the open training in Kobe the next day.[53] The match went on as planned at night on 7 February. Suárez was at the starting lineup. Messi came on in the 60th minute and played for over 30 minutes, with his every touch being loudly applauded during his half-hour of play.[54] Vissel Kobe won 4–3 in a penalty shoot-out.[55]

Messi posted on Weibo later that night in Chinese and Spanish.[56]

Hello to all my fans in mainland China and Hong Kong! As I said in the press conference, it was a real shame not to be able to play in Hong Kong the other day due to a groin injury that had swollen and I was in pain. Anyone who knows me knows that I always want to play, that's what I always want, to do my best in any game. And especially in these games when we travel so far and fans are excited to see us attend the game healthily. Hopefully we can come back and play a game in Hong Kong. And I also hope to return to China as soon as possible and greet you all.

Government role

Contract requirements

Time!Events
11 JanTatler Asia: line-up to be decided by Miami coach
2 FebInter Miami: would decide on game day
4 FebBefore
match		Team Sheet: Messi listed as substitute
Yeung: told by Tatler that Messi would play in second half
3:45 pmTatler Asia was told Messi likely to stay on bench
4:05 pmInter Miami: Messi confirmed not listed as substitute
4:07 pmMatch begins
5:00 pmTatler Asia: was told Messi to stay on bench
5:50 pmYeung: Tatler Asia said Messi to stay on bench
6:00 pmMatch ends
After
match		Tatler Asia: stated they had no information on Messi's absence
15 FebTatler admits it knew before game that Messi would not play
Events not revealed publicly at the time are in italics.

Confirming earlier media sources, Yeung on 5 February said Tatler Asias contract with the government required Messi to play for at least 45 minutes, unless he was ill or injured, and the organiser had told the government before the match that Messi would play in the second half of the game. Some sources added Messi was required to receive the trophy and speak to fans as captain. However, just 10 minutes before the game ended, Tatler Asia confirmed Messi would stay on the bench. Officials then immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receive the trophy. Yeung added that officials had no direct contact with Inter Miami, and had no idea of the severity of Messi's injuries or the decision to leave him on the bench.[57]

The government is said to have invited Messi to tour the Victoria Harbour and Kai Tak Sports Park for HK$1 million in order to promote Hong Kong, but was rejected by Inter Miami well before the match. Kenneth Fok, the MP for the sports constituency, issued a statement condemning Tatler and Inter Miami, believing that both of them are responsible. He demanded they issue an apology to the fans, particularly as the team had received high remuneration.[58]

In a press conference on the same day,[59] Tatler Asia chair Michel Lamunière said the contract agreement included clauses requiring Messi and Suarez to play in the match unless they were injured, and both were included in the official team sheet signed by Martino before the match which "showed Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as substitutes and therefore fit to play". He said the club informed Tatler at half-time that Messi would be unable to play due to an injury, and that the company immediately informed the government and urged Inter Miami to "instruct Messi to address the fans, to no avail".[60] While early speculation claims the contract only committed "famous players" without naming Messi or Suárez, Tatler Asia said "Inter Miami had committed under contract that all of their marquee players – Messi, Alba, Busquets and Suárez – would be required to play for 45 minutes unless injured".[61]

HKFA was later criticised after reports emerged that they had agreed to let Tatler Asia sign a "non-compulsory" contract that did not force Messi to play at a lower price, unlike the one signed with Vissel Kobe which had a mandatory requirement for Messi to appear.[62]

Lamunière changed his narrative during an interview with The Athletic on 15 February. Contrary to the statement released a day after the match, he said "he had only discovered Messi would not play 15 minutes before the start of the game", and the rest of the first half "was spent trying to find solutions for Messi to play, talking, and moving around the pitch." Under the contract, Busquets and Alba also had to play a minimum of 45 minutes unless injured, yet the latter two arrived on the hour mark during the second half. Lamunière did not directly respond if this constituted a breach of agreement. He later clarified that he heard "a possible problem and that the [Inter Miami] medical staff were working on Messi in the hope he could still play".[63]

M Mark funding

Lamunière announced on 5 February the withdrawal of Tatler Asias application for government funds, and expressed deep regret over the disappointing ending for the fans. In response, Yeung reasserted that giving up government funding had not entirely resolved the matter, and "the organiser should deal with consumers' demands". He said the funds had not yet been given to Tatler Asia. However, he admitted that authorities had not scrutinised the contract between Inter Miami and Talter Asia as "business secrets" do not require government attention.[64]

John Lee said that he had directed the ministry to seriously review the Messi debacle and the M Mark application procedures, including the roles and responsibilities of officials in promoting future large-scale events, such as requirements for contingency plans and timely communications.

Under major sports events application guidelines, vetting procedures for applications of new M Mark events take six months to complete under normal circumstances.[65] However, Beckham negotiated the deal to bring Inter Miami to Hong Kong around the beginning of December,[66] narrowing the vetting period to one and a half months.[67] MSEC chair Wilfred Ng confirmed "there will be special arrangements for large-scale events" as members had favoured the potential boost to Hong Kong's economy and to sports development.[68] Ng added the consideration was also based on the 45-minute playing requirement in the contract and had no knowledge over the communication between Tatler Asia and Inter Miami.[69]

Refund

Tatler Asias VIP bundles, priced at HK$150,000, included VIP ticket for the match and meet-and-great session, along with limited merchandise. In addition, various souvenir gifts such as scarfs and jackets were sold. The total income of Tatler Asia, covering sponsorships and ticket fees, is believed to surpass HK$132 million, including HK$11 million from the open training session.[70] [71] Under the contract, Tatler Asia had paid Inter Miami HK$50 million for their appearance.[72]

Following a closed-door meeting with authorities, Tatler Asia announced on 9 February a 50% refund to fans who purchased tickets through "official channels". Unaudited figures suggested the refund could cost HK$56 million, resulting in a net loss of HK$43 million.[73] Tatler Asia said they invited the Consumer Council to participate in the talks and will not evade responsibility.

The Consumer Council received at least 1,465 complaints, including 302 from tourists. The average amount of money involved in each case was HK$6,900, with the most expensive case involving $92,000.[74] The Customs department received 360 complaints and created a team to assess the claims. It also said appropriate enforcement action would be taken if violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is discovered.[75]

Refund details were announced by Tatler Asia on 18 March, with email notifications sent to those who purchased tickets through ticketing platform Klook. There was a 12 April deadline for refund requests, which were to be processed before 13 May. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau described it as "a responsible move" displaying a commitment to resolve the matter.[76] Tatler Asia stated that people must agree to drop any further legal complaints or claims before collecting a refund. However, the Consumer Council responded that consumers need not drop their complaints for the refund, though they might need to drop any complaints filed with their banks, and purchases through secondary sources might not qualify for refunds.[75]

Political response

With the government involved in the publicity of the match and support for the organiser, and the widespread international media attention for the 'mega event' as the "Messi Mess", Hong Kong's ability to stand as an "events capital" came under further scrutiny.[77] [78] Pro-Beijing legislator Michael Tien said that the chaos had damaged the city's reputation and former Financial Secretary John Tsang also worried the political fallout could unavoidably harm this reputation.[79] The debacle continued to swell throughout the week, with anti-China allegations and the emergence of conspiracy theories.[80]

In 2017, Messi had sent a signed photograph to 2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo through Howard Lam, a Hong Kong Democratic Party member.[81] Some interpreted this as support for Liu who had been jailed for subversion.[82] Messi avoided shaking hands with Hong Kong officials and, during the prize presentation, walked past John Lee, who had been sanctioned by the United States for "undermining Hong Kong's Autonomy".[83] Messi stood in the corner while official photos were taken.[84] [85]

The significant contrast between Messi's performance in Hong Kong and Japan, just three days after, sparked attention from Hong Kong media and officials.[86] The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sought a reasonable explanation on this and Tatler Asia described it as "another slap in the face". Some speculated that Messi was not injured[87] [88] [89] [90] and denigrated him as an insincere person who should leave.[91] An editorial on Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times criticised Inter Miami's and Messi's explanation as "not convincing" and urged the team to come up with a "reasonable explanation". It also warned of possible "political motives":

There is a lot of speculation about the true underlying reasons. One theory suggests that there might be political motives behind their actions, as Hong Kong intends to develop its mega-event based economy, and external forces deliberately seek to embarrass Hong Kong.
Regina Ip, Executive Council convenor, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) "Hong Kong people hate Messi, Inter Miami, and the 'black hand' behind them, for the deliberate and calculated snub to Hong Kong". Ip added that Hong Kong should never allow Messi to visit again. While admitting that she had no evidence of foreign interference, she said, "Messi behaved as though he was under some political directive not to play, not to shake hands with Hong Kong's CE, not to speak, or smile or wave to Hong Kong's fans. He apologised in Tokyo. Why not in Hong Kong?" Hu Xijin, former editor of Global Times, also questioned these circumstances.

Inter Miami reiterated that it was sorry Messi did not play and that injuries were "unfortunately a part of the beautiful game", and that it is no one's fault that players get injured in football.

Another conspiracy theory singled out Inter Miami's Cuban-American co-owner Jorge Mas, who was linked to hawkish former US President Ronald Reagan. Some judged this relationship and concluded that US-related involvement could not be ruled out. Some pro-Beijing mouthpieces including Ta Kung Pao implied a connection between the incident and the Central Intelligence Agency via Mas's late father, Jorge Mas Canosa, who in the 1960s was trained by the CIA for the Bay of Pigs Invasion.[92]

Online Chinese nationalists, dubbed Little Pink, launched a barrage of hostility on Messi's Instagram and Weibo accounts. One message read: "China does not welcome dwarves like you and please tell your Argentina football fans that the Falkland Islands belongs to England." Similar comments were found as well in the Weibo account of the Argentine Embassy in Beijing.[93]

Messi posted a two-minute Spanish video on 19 February, telling fans that it was "totally untrue" that he sat out the match for political reasons, and reiterated that he had been suffering from inflamed leg muscles. He also sent his "good wishes" to China: "I've had a very close and special relationship with China. I've done lots of things in China: interviews, games and events. I've also been there and played many times for FC Barcelona and the [Argentinian] national team."[94]

Backlash

Argentina's national team was scheduled to play two friendly international matches in March, against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. But on 9 February, Hangzhou sports authorities said the match had been cancelled for "current well-known reasons" and "conditions to hold the friendly match are not mature". The following day, Beijing authorities announced that the government "currently has no plans to host relevant competitions in which Messi will participate".[95] The Chinese Football Association suspended its partnership with the Argentine Football Association over the incident. The cancelled friendlies were replaced with two matches in the United States, against El Salvador and Costa Rica respectively.[96]

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV Sports Channel replaced frames of Messi winning the World Cup in a television programme with Philipp Lahm's victory in 2014.[97] This was soon removed as well when it was realized that Lahm had previously criticised China's human rights problems and urged athletes in democratic countries to reveal their political stance.[98] A Messi commercial was taken off air, while others remained despite pressure from Chinese social-media users.[99] [100] [101]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 4 February 2024 . Government response to media enquiries relating to Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF . 20 March 2024 . Hong Kong Government.
  2. 1754101332342874578 . klustout . From Messi Mania to messy dismay… A no show on the pitch for Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi angered fans in #HongKong who broke out with cheers of "Where is Messi" and "Refund Refund Refund." . Kristie . Lu Stout . Kristie Lu Stout . 4 February 2024.
  3. Web site: 23 December 2023 . Letter Social media mockery will only drive Hong Kong to do better . 20 March 2024 . South China Morning Post . en.
  4. Web site: 29 January 2024 . 香港國際金融中心的光環哪裡去了？ . Where is Hong Kong's global finance hub halo? . RFI.
  5. Web site: Pei Li . Yahoo News. 5 February 2024 . 美斯比賽未上場 球迷高聲喊退錢 香港政府稱「極度失望」 . Messi Fails to Play in Hyped Hong Kong Match, Drawing Ire . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205075346/https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/news/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E6%AF%94%E8%B3%BD%E6%9C%AA%E4%B8%8A%E5%A0%B4-%E7%90%83%E8%BF%B7%E9%AB%98%E8%81%B2%E5%96%8A%E9%80%80%E9%8C%A2-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%94%BF%E5%BA%9C%E7%A8%B1-%E6%A5%B5%E5%BA%A6%E5%A4%B1%E6%9C%9B-021749564.html . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2023 . zh.
  6. Web site: 9 February 2024 . 梅西缺赛责任在谁？凤凰专访香港足总会长贝钧奇 . Exclusive interview with HKFA President Pui: Who to blame for Messi's absence? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214082453/https://news.ifeng.com/c/8X2JAmMU7gE . 14 February 2024 . 15 February 2024 . Phoneix TV . zh.
  7. Web site: 8 December 2023 . Inter Miami CF to Visit Hong Kong During the Club's First-Ever International Tour for 2024 Preseason . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240110175719/https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/inter-miami-cf-to-visit-hong-kong-during-the-club-s-first-ever-international-tou . 10 January 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Inter Miami CF .
  8. Web site: 梁薾心 . 11 January 2024 . 【美斯訪港】楊潤雄：國際邁阿密來港賽事免費直播 向基層及學生派1.5萬張訓練場門票 . 15,000 free Inter Miami training session tickets for grassroots, students: Kevin Yeung . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205053654/https://topick.hket.com/article/3687093/ . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Topick . zh.
  9. Web site: 11 January 2024 . 美斯訪港｜2月對港隊票價880元起、不設本地票！購票日期方法 . Inter Miami v Hong Kong ticket costs at least $880, no local tickets . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205072015/https://www.businesstimes.com.hk/articles/152279/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E8%A8%AA%E6%B8%AF-%E7%A2%A7%E5%92%B8-%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%82%81%E4%BA%9E%E5%AF%86-%E6%B8%AF%E9%9A%8A-%E7%A5%A8%E5%83%B9880%E5%85%83%E8%B5%B7-%E6%9C%AC%E5%9C%B0%E7%A5%A8-%E5%A4%A7%E9%87%8F-%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E7%99%BC%E5%94%AE-%E8%B3%BC%E7%A5%A8%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%9F-%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95/ . 5 February 2024 . 8 December 2023 . 香港財經時報 . zh.
  10. Web site: 12 January 2024 . Fan-tastic! . 21 March 2024 . The Standard . en.
  11. Web site: Star footballers set to play in HK . 21 March 2024 . Hong Kong Government .
  12. Web site: 11 January 2024 . Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami in Hong Kong 'save for illness or injury' . 26 April 2024 . South China Morning Post . en.
  13. Web site: 12 December 2023 . Inter Miami CF to Participate in Riyadh Season Cup as Part of International Tour During 2024 Preseason . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240118024349/https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/inter-miami-cf-to-participate-in-riyadh-season-cup-as-part-of-international-tour . 18 January 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Inter Miami CF . en.
  14. News: 2 February 2024 . 美斯訪港｜球迷噩耗！？ 國際邁亞密鬥艾納斯美斯只踢7分鐘 傳因有傷在身 . Bad news for fans!? Messi appeared 7 mins only in Inter Miami v Al Nassar after apparent injury . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205070000/https://www.stheadline.com/football-news/3313595/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E8%A8%AA%E6%B8%AF%E7%90%83%E8%BF%B7%E5%99%A9%E8%80%97-%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%82%81%E4%BA%9E%E5%AF%86%E9%AC%A5%E8%89%BE%E7%B4%8D%E6%96%AF%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E5%8F%AA%E8%B8%A27%E5%88%86%E9%90%98-%E5%82%B3%E5%9B%A0%E6%9C%89%E5%82%B7%E5%9C%A8%E8%BA%AB . 5 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . 星島頭條 . zh-HK.
  15. Web site: 2 February 2024 . 國際邁阿密抵港 球員歡迎儀式現疲態 美斯全程茶不離手 . Exhausted Inter Miami players in welcoming ceremony . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240208131927/https://www.inmediahk.net/node/%E9%AB%94%E8%82%B2/%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%82%81%E9%98%BF%E5%AF%86%E6%8A%B5%E6%B8%AF-%E7%90%83%E5%93%A1%E6%AD%A1%E8%BF%8E%E5%84%80%E5%BC%8F%E7%8F%BE%E7%96%B2%E6%85%8B-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E5%85%A8%E7%A8%8B%E8%8C%B6%E4%B8%8D%E9%9B%A2%E6%89%8B . 8 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . Inmedia.
  16. Web site: 2 February 2024 . 美斯訪港｜美斯領國際邁阿密抵港 飛近10小時 美斯一臉倦容 . Inter Miami arrived Hong Kong after 10-hour flight, Messi tired . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205070105/https://std.stheadline.com/realtime/article/1979099/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E9%AB%94%E8%82%B2-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E8%A8%AA%E6%B8%AF-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A0%98%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%82%81%E9%98%BF%E5%AF%86%E6%8A%B5%E6%B8%AF-%E9%A3%9B%E8%BF%9110%E5%B0%8F%E6%99%82-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E4%B8%80%E8%87%89%E5%80%A6%E5%AE%B9 . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Sing Tao Daily . zh.
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  19. Web site: 2 February 2024 . 美斯訪港｜國際邁阿密職球員合照暴曬 MC邀嘉賓上台合照 美斯竟越叫越走？ . 18 June 2024 . Sing Tao. zh-HK. Messi ignores emcee and leaves as Inter Miami photo session held under extreme heat.
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  23. Web site: 4 February 2024 . 梅西香港訓練熱爆 當局叫球迷別擅闖 . Authorities urge against pitch invasion amidst Messi training . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213023247/https://guangming.com.my/%E6%A2%85%E8%A5%BF%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E8%A8%93%E7%B7%B4%E7%86%B1%E7%88%86-%E7%95%B6%E5%B1%80%E5%8F%AB%E7%90%83%E8%BF%B7%E5%88%A5%E6%93%85%E9%97%96 . 13 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . Guang Ming Daily . zh.
  24. Web site: 3 February 2024 . Huge cheers for Messi, Inter Miami squad at training session in Hong Kong . 21 March 2024 . South China Morning Post . en.
  25. Web site: 3 February 2024 . 美斯訪港｜球王參與國際邁阿密操練 輕舒腳頭表情輕鬆 與小球迷合練表現親民 . Relaxed and friendly Messi joins Inter Miami training . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213023240/https://www.singtao.ca/6553258/2024-02-03/news-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E8%A8%AA%E6%B8%AF%EF%BD%9C%E7%90%83%E7%8E%8B%E5%8F%83%E8%88%87%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%82%81%E9%98%BF%E5%AF%86%E6%93%8D%E7%B7%B4+%E8%BC%95%E8%88%92%E8%85%B3%E9%A0%AD%E8%A1%A8%E6%83%85%E8%BC%95%E9%AC%86+%E8%88%87%E5%B0%8F%E7%90%83%E8%BF%B7%E5%90%88%E7%B7%B4%E8%A1%A8%E7%8F%BE%E8%A6%AA%E6%B0%91/?variant=zh-hk . 13 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . Sing Tao Canada . zh-TW.
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  30. Web site: 4 February 2023 . Result - Hong Kong 1 : 4 Inter Miami CF (USA) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240218174904/https://www.hkfa.com/en/competitions/result/42722/detail . 18 February 2024 . Hong Kong Football Association . en.
  31. Web site: 余月明 . 4 February 2024 . 美斯訪港｜球迷、鏡粉中午提早排頭位 旅客：美斯係小朋友榜樣 . Messi and MIRROR fans arrive in afternoon before match . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205055156/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/987839/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E8%A8%AA%E6%B8%AF-%E7%90%83%E8%BF%B7-%E9%8F%A1%E7%B2%89%E4%B8%AD%E5%8D%88%E6%8F%90%E6%97%A9%E6%8E%92%E9%A0%AD%E4%BD%8D-%E6%97%85%E5%AE%A2-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E4%BF%82%E5%B0%8F%E6%9C%8B%E5%8F%8B%E6%A6%9C%E6%A8%A3 . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . HK01 . zh.
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  34. Web site: 4 February 2024 . MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Defeats Hong Kong Team 1-4 in Preseason Match at Hong Kong Stadium . 5 April 2024 . Inter Miami CF.
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  36. Web site: 4 February 2024 . Inter Miami booed off after Lionel Messi no show in Hong Kong . 5 April 2024 . Hong Kong Free Press .
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  38. Web site: 4 February 2024 . 美斯無上陣 消息：合約訂明必須出賽45分鐘 賽後邀領獎、發言亦拒參與 . Messi required under contract to play for 45 minutes, receive trophy and give speech: source . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205085610/https://std.stheadline.com/realtime/article/1979524/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E6%B8%AF%E8%81%9E-%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E7%84%A1%E4%B8%8A%E9%99%A3-%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF-%E5%90%88%E7%B4%84%E8%A8%82%E6%98%8E%E5%BF%85%E9%A0%88%E5%87%BA%E8%B3%BD45%E5%88%86%E9%90%98-%E8%B3%BD%E5%BE%8C%E9%82%80%E9%A0%98%E7%8D%8E-%E7%99%BC%E8%A8%80%E4%BA%A6%E6%8B%92%E5%8F%83%E8%88%87 . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Sing Tao Daily . zh-Hant-HK.
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  41. Web site: 4 February 2024 . Fans unhappy at not seeing injured Messi play as Inter Miami cruises past Hong Kong XI 4-1 . 7 April 2024 . AP News . en.
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  44. Web site: 4 February 2024 . Government statement on Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF . 26 April 2024 . Government of Hong Kong.
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  52. Web site: Lionel Messi speaks in Tokyo: Inter Miami star explains injury, failed Hong Kong match . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240210045244/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2024/02/06/lionel-messi-speaks-in-tokyo-injury-leads-to-failed-hong-kong-match/72489271007/ . 2024-02-10 . 2024-02-11 . USA TODAY . en-US.
  53. Web site: 6 February 2024 . 【球王訪日】美斯落場完成整課操練 又跑又射料上陣機會高（有片） . Messi attends whole training, likely to join the match . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240208020725/https://www.sportsroad.hk/archives/463024 . 8 February 2024 . 7 February 2024 . Sportsroad . zh-hk.
  54. Web site: 7 February 2024 . Lionel Messi given huge cheers by Vissel Kobe crowd every time he touches ball in 30-minute cameo as Inter Miami star gets rapturous reception in Japan just days after angry Hong Kong boos . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240207095648/https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-bench-again-inter-miami-superstar-left-out-starting-xi-vissel-kobe-clash-despite-fierce-backlash/blt6ed346613270c16c . 7 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . Goal.com . en.
  55. Web site: Messi Returns and Busquets Injured in Inter Miami's Defeat to Vissel Kobe . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240207141550/https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/mls/articles-video/messi-returns-and-busquets-injured-in-inter-miami-s-defeat-to-vissel-kobe-2024-02-07 . 7 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . beIN SPORTS . en-us.
  56. Web site: 8 February 2024 . Lionel Messi plays in Japan three days after Hong Kong no-show due to injury . 26 April 2024 . Yahoo Sports . en-US.
  57. Web site: 5 February 2024 . Organiser of Messi match in Hong Kong to withdraw HK$16 million funding request . 12 April 2024 . South China Morning Post . en.
  58. News: 盧品青 . 5 February 2024 . 總教練早知梅西有狀況 霍啟剛批「球隊和主辦方都有責任」 . Tatler, Inter Miami shares responsibility over Messi mess: Kenneth Fok . 5 February 2024 . China Times.
  59. Web site: 5 February 2024 . 【美斯不出場】主辦方Tatler記者會讀聲明歷時僅6分鐘 不設記者提問環節 . Tatler read out statement on Messi match in 6-min press conference without Q&A . 12 April 2024 . Inmedia.
  60. Web site: 5 February 2024 . Tatler withdraws application for HK$16 million in govt funds . 12 April 2024 . The Standard . en.
  61. Web site: 8 February 2024 . A Statement From Tatler Asia About Tatler XFEST Hong Kong . 17 April 2024 . Tatler Asia.
  62. Web site: 11 February 2024 . 梅西案新说：香港与迈阿密签约疑扣钱或致梅西不上场 . Hong Kong, Inter Miami signed less expensive agreement . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213023249/https://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF/20240211-%E6%A2%85%E8%A5%BF%E6%A1%88%E6%96%B0%E8%AF%B4-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E4%B8%8E%E8%BF%88%E9%98%BF%E5%AF%86%E7%AD%BE%E7%BA%A6%E7%96%91%E6%89%A3%E9%92%B1%E6%88%96%E8%87%B4%E6%A2%85%E8%A5%BF%E4%B8%8D%E4%B8%8A%E5%9C%BA . 13 February 2024 . 12 February 2024 . RFI.
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  64. Web site: 7 February 2024 . 楊潤雄認批款未看Tatler與球會協議 . Kevin Yeung admits Tatler, Inter Miami contract not reviewed by government . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240208041003/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e8%a6%81%e8%81%9e/article/20240207/s00001/1707243543149/%e6%a5%8a%e6%bd%a4%e9%9b%84%e8%aa%8d%e6%89%b9%e6%ac%be%e6%9c%aa%e7%9c%8btatler%e8%88%87%e7%90%83%e6%9c%83%e5%8d%94%e8%ad%b0 . 8 February 2024 . 12 February 2024 . Ming Pao . zh-hk.
  65. Web site: 1 April 2023 . Major Sports Events Application Guidelines . Major Sports Events Committee.
  66. Web site: Tan . Emily . 8 December 2023 . Hong Kong's soccer fans will get to see Lionel Messi in action in February . 17 April 2024 . CNBC . en.
  67. Web site: 6 February 2024 . 港府資助1600萬疑急就章 M品牌需早半年申請 Tatler兩個月前才敲定球隊訪港 . Tatler's government funding application fast-tracked . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240206133748/https://photonmedia.net/m-mark-event-should-apply-at-least-6-months-prior/ . 6 February 2024 . 12 February 2024 . Photon Media . zh-TW.
  68. Web site: 8 February 2024 . Review of 'M' mark vetting needed: events committee . 17 April 2024 . RTHK . en-gb.
  69. Web site: 8 February 2024 . 吳守基稱特事特辦表演賽 委員會不知主辦方如何與國際邁阿密溝通 . Wilfred Ng: Messi match reviewed through special channel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240213023252/https://www.bastillepost.com/hongkong/article/13824220-%e5%90%b3%e5%ae%88%e5%9f%ba%e7%a8%b1%e7%89%b9%e4%ba%8b%e7%89%b9%e8%be%a6%e8%a1%a8%e6%bc%94%e8%b3%bd%e3%80%80%e5%a7%94%e5%93%a1%e6%9c%83%e4%b8%8d%e7%9f%a5%e4%b8%bb%e8%be%a6%e6%96%b9%e5%a6%82%e4%bd%95 . 13 February 2024 . 12 February 2024 . Bastille Post.
  70. Web site: 5 February 2024 . 拆解Tatler盛事收益 若「回水」僅正賽門票收入料賠1.2億元 . Match ticket refund to cost Tatler HK$120mn . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205100202/https://photonmedia.net/tatler-income-of-sundays-game/ . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Photon Media . zh-hk.
  71. News: 5 February 2024 . 【球王鬧劇】門票收入料達1.32億 主辦單位願棄1,600萬補貼 . Tatler income expected at 132mn, agrees to give up 16mn subsidy . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240205141415/https://hk.sports.yahoo.com/news/%E7%90%83%E7%8E%8B%E9%AC%A7%E5%8A%87-%E9%96%80%E7%A5%A8%E6%94%B6%E5%85%A5%E9%81%941-32%E5%84%84-%E4%B8%BB%E8%BE%A6%E5%96%AE%E4%BD%8D%E9%A1%98%E6%A3%841-600%E8%90%AC%E8%A3%9C%E8%B2%BC-111429915.html . 5 February 2024 . 5 February 2024 . Yahoo Sports.
  72. Web site: 陶嘉心 . 7 February 2024 . 獨家．美斯缺場｜國際邁亞密戲金曝光 消息：Tatler付5000萬港元 . Exclusive: Tatler paid Inter Miami HK$50mn for appearance fee . 24 April 2024 . 香港01 . zh-HK.
  73. Web site: Tse . Hans . 9 February 2024 . Messi match organiser Tatler Asia announces 50% refund . 17 April 2024 . Hong Kong Free Press.
  74. Web site: Tickets alone not enough to receive Inter Miami friendly refund, says consumer watchdog . 15 April 2024 . The Standard . en.
  75. Web site: 19 March 2024 . Messi fans can seek refunds without dropping complaints to Hong Kong watchdog . 17 April 2024 . South China Morning Post . en.
  76. News: 18 March 2024 . Tatler says fans who purchased tickets from Klook to get 50 percent refund . 17 April 2024 . The Standard . en-US.
  77. Web site: 5 February 2024 . 盛事變噓聲 港府稱要追究球王美斯缺陣：扣錢 惟盛事之都名聲已損 . Mega-event mega-booed: Hong Kong reputation damaged . 26 April 2024 . RFI . zh-Hant.
  78. Web site: 6 February 2024 . 觀點｜美斯缺陣而去 香港盛事怎走 . Opinion: How should Hong Kong move ahead as mega-event capital after Messi's absence? . 26 April 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  79. Web site: 11 February 2024 . 梅西未上場事件延燒 港前財長憂上升至政治層面恐影響香港名聲 . Hong Kong finance minister concerned over possible political storm in Messi Mess . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212040734/https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E6%A2%85%E8%A5%BF%E6%9C%AA%E4%B8%8A%E5%A0%B4%E4%BA%8B%E4%BB%B6%E5%BB%B6%E7%87%92-%E6%B8%AF%E5%89%8D%E8%B2%A1%E9%95%B7%E6%86%82%E4%B8%8A%E5%8D%87%E8%87%B3%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB%E5%B1%A4%E9%9D%A2%E6%81%90%E5%BD%B1%E9%9F%BF%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E5%90%8D%E8%81%B2-235238019.html . 12 February 2024 . 12 February 2024 . Yahoo News . zh-Hant-TW.
  80. Web site: 9 February 2024 . 美斯香港行爭議難平 「隱身」主辦的Tatler Asia何方來歷？ . What is Tatler Asia as controversies remains . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240210190933/https://www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E8%A7%80%E5%AF%9F/989750/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E8%A1%8C%E7%88%AD%E8%AD%B0%E9%9B%A3%E5%B9%B3-%E9%9A%B1%E8%BA%AB-%E4%B8%BB%E8%BE%A6%E7%9A%84tatler-asia%E4%BD%95%E6%96%B9%E4%BE%86%E6%AD%B7 . 10 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  81. Web site: 11 August 2017 . Hong Kong activist says Chinese tortured him for Messi photo . 24 April 2024 . AP News . en-US.
  82. Web site: 19 December 2022 . 阿根廷奪下大力神盃 人權鬥士揭祕：梅西曾送劉曉波簽名照 . Messi sent autograph to Liu Xiaobo: activist . 24 April 2024 . Liberty Times . zh-TW.
  83. Web site: 19 March 2024 . Treasury Sanctions Individuals for Undermining Hong Kong's Autonomy . 26 April 2024 . U.S. Department of the Treasury . en.
  84. Web site: Chan . Irene . 8 February 2024 . 'Political motives' & 'black hand' behind Lionel Messi's HK no-show . 26 April 2024 . Hong Kong Free Press HKFP . en-GB.
  85. Web site: 7 February 2024 . 梅西赴港友誼賽缺陣 避開與香港官員握手引討論[影] ]. Messi avoided Hong Kong officials' hands after friendly match . 26 April 2024 . CNA . zh-TW.
  86. Web site: 美斯風波│美斯日本操練生龍活虎 扭波傳波再入波(有片) . Messi active in Japan training . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240206103608/https://www.stheadline.com/football-news/3314832/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A2%A8%E6%B3%A2%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E6%93%8D%E7%B7%B4%E7%94%9F%E9%BE%8D%E6%B4%BB%E8%99%8E-%E6%89%AD%E6%B3%A2%E5%82%B3%E6%B3%A2%E5%86%8D%E5%85%A5%E6%B3%A2%E6%9C%89%E7%89%87 . 6 February 2024 . 11 February 2024 . Sing Tao Daily. 6 February 2024 .
  87. Web site: 6 February 2024 . 美斯風波│美斯日本操練生龍活虎 扭波傳波再入波(有片) .
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  89. Web site: 8 February 2024 . Lionel Messi: outcry in China and Hong Kong after star returns from injury in time for Japan match . 30 March 2024 . The Guardian.
  90. Web site: Lu Stout . Kristie . Sham . Jadyn . Stambaugh . Alex . 7 February 2024 . Lionel Messi takes to the field in Tokyo as Chinese fans remain angered by Hong Kong no-show . 30 March 2024 . CNN . en.
  91. Web site: Lionel Messi apologises for Hong Kong no-show after Chinese backlash . 26 April 2024 . Financial Times.
  92. 9 February 2024 . The Most Extreme Reactions Over Messi in Hong Kong . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214233440/https://time.com/6693153/messi-hong-kong-reactions-backlash-international-appeal/ . 14 February 2024 . 14 February 2024 . TIME . en.
  93. Web site: 12 February 2024 . 美斯被指辱華 網民湧阿根廷駐華大使館微博：福克蘭群島是英國的 . 'Falkland Islands are British': angry Chinese flooded Argentine Embassy Weibo account . 15 February 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  94. Web site: Leung . Hillary . 20 February 2024 . Lionel Messi tells Chinese fans no politics at play in his HK absence . 26 April 2024 . Hong Kong Free Press .
  95. Web site: Lau . Chris . 10 February 2024 . Chinese authorities cancel second Argentina soccer match after Messi backlash in Hong Kong . 26 April 2024 . CNN . en.
  96. Web site: 普利森 . 8 February 2024 . 美斯風波｜傳中國足協暫停與阿根廷合作 稱美斯新聞被刪屬流言 . Chinese Football Association reportedly suspends partnership with Argentine counterpart . 1 May 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  97. News: 15 February 2024 . 美斯遭央視連環封殺 《天下足球》片頭及天氣預報廣告畫面被刪 . CCTV's sports programme removes Messi's scenes . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240215130206/https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/991017/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%81%AD%E5%A4%AE%E8%A6%96%E9%80%A3%E7%92%B0%E5%B0%81%E6%AE%BA-%E5%A4%A9%E4%B8%8B%E8%B6%B3%E7%90%83-%E7%89%87%E9%A0%AD%E5%8F%8A%E5%A4%A9%E6%B0%A3%E9%A0%90%E5%A0%B1%E5%BB%A3%E5%91%8A%E7%95%AB%E9%9D%A2%E8%A2%AB%E5%88%AA . 15 February 2024 . 15 February 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  98. Web site: 15 February 2024 . 美斯缺陣︱央視節目將美斯換拿姆 原來後者也非「對華友好人士」 . Lahm removed from Chinese TV after replacing Messi for unfriendly towards China . 15 February 2024 . Sing Tao . zh.
  99. Web site: 許祺安 . 10 February 2024 . 美斯得罪了中國？2023年訪華旋風到今官媒狠批 14億市場凍過水？ . Messi no longer welcomed in China? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153151/https://www.hk01.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B%E8%A7%80%E5%AF%9F/989951/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E5%BE%97%E7%BD%AA%E4%BA%86%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B-2023%E5%B9%B4%E8%A8%AA%E8%8F%AF%E6%97%8B%E9%A2%A8%E5%88%B0%E4%BB%8A%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%8B%A0%E6%89%B9-14%E5%84%84%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%E5%87%8D%E9%81%8E%E6%B0%B4 . 14 February 2024 . 14 February 2024 . HK01 . zh-HK.
  100. Web site: 9 February 2024 . 美斯風波︱內地掀抵制潮 官媒籲冷靜弄清楚合同細節 . Boycott Messi on Chinese trend; state-run media urge for calm . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153103/https://www.stheadline.com/realtime-china/3315776/%E7%BE%8E%E6%96%AF%E9%A2%A8%E6%B3%A2%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E6%8E%80%E6%8A%B5%E5%88%B6%E6%BD%AE-%E5%AE%98%E5%AA%92%E7%B1%B2%E5%86%B7%E9%9D%9C%E5%BC%84%E6%B8%85%E6%A5%9A%E5%90%88%E5%90%8C%E7%B4%B0%E7%AF%80 . 14 February 2024 . 14 February 2024 . Sing Tao Daily . zh-HK.
  101. Web site: 當初高調找梅西代言…大陸這家快遞公司慘掃颱風尾 遭陸網遷怒抵制 . Chinese company boycotted over Messi ad . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240214153235/https://udn.com/news/story/7332/7765880 . 14 February 2024 . 14 February 2024 . UDN . zh-TW.

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