Fans climb mountain to watch Lionel Messi only to be left disappointed as Inter Miami leave Argentine superstar on the bench in Hong Kong friendly

The Argentine superstar is in the Far East as the Herons continue their jet-setting pre-season tour. Messi has, however, seen his game time limited since picking up a knock. He was given just seven minutes during a friendly contest against Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia that did not feature his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fans in Hong Kong had been hoping to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or return to the field as he visited their part of their world, but he was an unused substitute alongside Luis Suarez in a game that Inter Miami won 4-1.

Those inside the stadium, who had moved quickly to snap up expensive tickets, aired their anger at not seeing Messi step onto the pitch. Those outside the ground had even more cause for frustration, with some having taken to climbing a nearby mountain in order to catch a glimpse of the all-time great.

Inter Miami will remain in Asia for a meeting with Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, before then returning to the United States for a home date with Newell’s Old Boys and the start of the 2024 MLS campaign on February 21.