Where's David Beckham?! Inter Miami owner appears to skip Vissel Kobe friendly after being booed for Lionel Messi decision that left Hong Kong fans furious

Lionel Messi was named on the bench again for the friendly against Vissel Kobe, with fans in Hong Kong having been left furious after paying premium prices to watch the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, only to see him left out. As a result, Beckham was forced to address the crowd to thank them for their support, only to be drowned out by boos.

It seems that was an experience the former Manchester United man is keen not to risk again, as he was spotted in Doha at last night's Asian Cup semi-final between South Korea and Jordan, while also having been pictured playing padel with friends, including ex-PSG teammate Marco Verratti.

It's been a tough period for Beckham and Inter Miami, who are seeking to make some of their huge outlay on Messi back in lucrative pre-season appearances. But the club's plans have floundered as Messi has struggled to find match fitness, having dealt with a number of injuries after a flying start to life in Florida. The Argentine hit the ground running, leading The Herons to a Leagues Cup win but was limited to just six MLS appearances at the back end of last season. Those injury issues have dragged on into pre-season, irking fans who have paid premium prices only to see Messi sidelined. He did, however, eventually come on in the second half against Vissel Kobe.

Cristiano Ronaldo sat out the much-hyped 'Last Dance' with Messi, while the Argentine featured for only seven minutes from the bench. Despite the disappointment Al-Nassr and Inter Miami are hoping to schedule another meeting. Messi and Ronaldo have played against each other on 36 occasions during their storied careers.

One game Messi will be desperate not to miss is a pre-season appointment with boyhood club Newell's Old Boys, which is scheduled to take place at DRV PNK Stadium next Friday night. It's likely Beckham will be in town to watch that one, with Miami's MLS season getting underway shortly after, against Real Salt Lake on February 21.