Messi Benched in Exhibition Match

During an exhibition match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong League players at Hong Kong Stadium, Lionel Messi did not participate in the game, remaining on the bench for its entirety. This decision sparked considerable backlash from fans and media in Hong Kong and China, where Messi is a highly regarded figure. The absence of Messi, a global football icon, in a match that was expected to showcase his talents led to disappointment among spectators and raised questions about the management decisions of Inter Miami. The reaction was swift, with local media criticizing the decision and fans expressing their frustration on social media platforms. The impact of Messi's benching extended beyond immediate fan reactions. In response to the incident, a commercial featuring Messi was pulled from airwaves in Hong Kong and China, indicating the commercial ramifications of the situation. Additionally, the Chinese Football Association took a notable step by temporarily suspending its partnership with the Argentine Football Association, highlighting the seriousness of the backlash. This incident underscores the influence of star players in international football and the potential consequences of their absence in high-profile matches, particularly in markets where they hold significant popularity.