Messi created a wave of outrage in Hong Kong (China) when he did not play in the friendly match with the Hong Kong Stars team on February 4. After that, the fans protested violently asked to return the ticket fee. The Hong Kong government also expressed dissatisfaction about Messi not playing.
As soon as I arrived in Saudi Arabia, I had myositis and couldn’t play in my first match here. In the second match (against Al Nassr) I tried to suppress the pain on the field but the situation got worse. When I arrived in Hong Kong, I had not recovered from my injury. However, I went out to practice in front of the cheers of the audience. Before the competition day I didn’t feel well so I asked to rest.
A few weeks later when I arrived in Japan I felt I was fine. Therefore, I want to play to prepare physically and find form for the new season. That’s the story. Besides that, there is no other reason as many sources have rumored.”
In recent days, Messi has been preparing with the entire Inter Miami team for the opening match of the American Professional League against Real. Salt Lake takes place at 08:00 on February 22.
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