Revealed: Absent Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi was contracted to play 'at least 45 minutes' of controversial Hong Kong friendly - rejected offer to calm raging fans after no-show

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner forms part of the Herons’ squad that is taking in a historic international tour in 2024 – with trips to El Salvador and Saudi Arabia already taken in. His arrival in the Far East sparked mass hysteria among a loyal group of supporters.

Messi was, however, left on the bench for a meeting with a Hong Kong Select XI – with the Argentine icon not even taking part in the pre-match warm-up. His absence sparked anger among a sell-out crowd – who took to booing the all-time great and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

China Daily reports how Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung has claimed that event organisers had it written into a contract that Messi would play at least the second-half of the eagerly-anticipated exhibition game. It is also claimed that Inter Miami only confirmed a complete a no-show from their star attraction 10 minutes before the end of the match – with the South American nursing an injury.

Yeung has also said that proposals for Messi to talk to the seething fans at the full-time whistle, or accept a prize on behalf of Inter Miami following their 4-1 win, were turned down. Jeers rained down the stands at the end of the match, with many supporters demanding a refund.

Organisers, Tatler, said in an official statement that they had not been informed of Messi’s 90-minute absence. Inter Miami are now due to head for Japan and a meeting with Vissel Kobe, before then returning to the United States.