Inter Miami urged to provide 'reasonable explanations' why Lionel Messi was able to play against Vissel Kobe by Hong Kong government as tour controversy continues

Inter Miami's pre-season tour of Asia has has been mired in controversy after their Argentine superstar failed to appear for a friendly match against Hong Kong XI due to an injury, despite having a contractual obligation to do so. However, the Herons have now been asked for a 'reasonable explanation' for his absence after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared just days later in a friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of Hong Kong expressed their disappointment at Messi's nability to play in the city and questioned his involvement against Vissel Kobe in a statement: "However three days later, Messi was able to play actively and freely in Japan … the government hopes the organisers and teams can provide reasonable explanations."

Over 40,000 people attended the match in Hong Kong, with some supporters spending close to HK$5,000 ($640) for a ticket. The Consumer Council of Hong Kong stated it had received 547 complaints on Messi's absence, involving a total of HK$3.64 million (US$465,466), according to the Chinese state-run Global Times. Fans in China admitted to feeling a "bit scammed" after missing out on seeing the World Cup winner.

The Herons have had a rather poor pre-season so far with just one win in six games. They started with a draw against El Salvador, followed by losses against Dallas, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr before the win against Hong Kong followed by the shootout loss against Vissel Kobe. They will play their last friendly against Messi's former side, Newell's Old Boys before starting their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on February 21.