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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Messi shares details about Hong Kong match</li><li>Says he had genuine Adductor injury</li><li>False narratives have swayed fans about absence</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Lionel Messi reveals reason why he skipped Inter Miami's Hong Kong friendly - which led to bust-up with Chinese Government - claiming 'false reports' have led fans astray

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

New York Red Bulls

Just three days before the MLS season begins, and two weeks after Inter Miami's friendly against Hong Kong team, the Argentine went on the record in an attempt to clear his name. He shared details surrounding his injury, while also denouncing false narratives surrounding his and the Herons' decision not to field him in the match.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In a statement released on video via Chinese social media website Weibo: “I’ve read and heard a lot of things about what happened after the match in Hong Kong. “That’s why I wanted to make this video to give the real explanation and avoid reading false reports. “As everyone knows, I always want to play. I want to play in every match. I heard that I didn’t want to play because of politics and many other things that have nothing to do with this. If that were the case I wouldn’t have traveled to Japan or to China like I have so many times in my career.“I’ve always had a very close relationship with China. I’ve done so many things with China like interviews, (friendly) matches, events and games with Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Like I said during the press conference that I gave: I had inflammation in my adductor and I couldn’t play. I felt it in the first game that I played in Saudi Arabia and I tried to play in the second game (in Saudi) but it felt worse. “I tried the day before to take part in that training session to be there for all those people. I did what I could and I took part in the clinic with all those kids, but I honestly couldn’t play because I felt discomfort. “After a few days had passed I felt a little better and that’s why I played a bit in the friendly in Japan in order to continue improving physically and continue to prepare for what’s coming next for me. I had to play to get some rhythm back. “I’ve already said this but I felt it was important to repeat it after everything that has been said. I want to send my love to the people of China, a (feeling) I’ve always had with them. I hope we can see each other again soon.”

WHAT MESSI SAID

After Messi skipped out on the friendly against Hong Kong team, a match that the Herons won 4-0, chaos followed. The Chinese Government cancelled Argentina friendlies in their country this March against Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, with them not being happy with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision.Fans who attended dubbed it a<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/slap-in-face-angry-lionel-messi-fans-hong-kong-offered-50-refund-inter-miami-superstar-no-show-controversial-friendly/blt261a7cbf97032995" target="_blank"> 'slap in the face'</a> with one government official even saying he should <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-should-never-be-allowed-back-hong-kong-fury-grows-after-inter-miami-no-show/blt6759b2b8e4b02883#cs6bbc67813ebeb021" target="_blank">'never be allowed back' in the country.</a>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Herons take on Real Salt Lake this Wednesday in their 2024 home opener. The match kicks off at 8:00 pm ET from DRV PNK Stadium.

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Lionel Messi reveals reason why he skipped Inter Miami's Hong Kong friendly - which led to bust-up with Chinese Government - claiming 'false reports' have led fans astray | Goal.com UK

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has shared details as to why he missed the Herons Hong Kong friendly during preseason.

Lionel Messi reveals reason why he skipped Inter Miami&apos;s Hong Kong friendly - which led to bust-up with Chinese Government - claiming &apos;false reports&apos; have led fans astray

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