Argentine star Messi returns to Hong Kong after 10 years. This time, the Major League Soccer team he plays for, Inter Miami, played an exhibition match at the Hong Kong Stadium on the afternoon of the 4th. In the end, Inter Miami won the game 4:1.

The picture shows the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lee Ka-chiu, presenting the award to the winning Inter Miami team. Photo by China News Service reporter Hou Yu

　　According to official statistics, nearly 40,000 spectators attended the game that day.

Messi failed to play due to injury

　　However, Messi still did not play until the end of the game that day, causing dissatisfaction among some fans.

The picture shows Messi (fourth from left in the back) and Suarez (third from left in the back) watching the game on the bench. Photo by China News Service reporter Hou Yu

　　In response, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said at the post-match press conference that night that Messi is currently suffering from muscle inflammation. It was a joint decision of the team's medical team to not let him play that day. There is a greater risk of injury to him when he plays. The team understands that this incident has caused disappointment to the fans and hopes for your consideration and understanding.

　　It is understood that Messi and the team played in Saudi Arabia before their visit to Hong Kong. At that time, he came on as a substitute in the last 7 minutes. Some media revealed that Messi had discomfort in his biceps femoris at the time and was playing due to injury.

The picture shows Inter Miami player Busquets (in pink, first from left) during the game. Photo by China News Service reporter Hou Yu

Officials and celebrities came to help transform the stadium into a pink "ocean"

　　That afternoon, the Hong Kong Stadium was packed with seats and filled with a lively atmosphere. The fans were wearing jerseys from when Messi played for different teams. At a glance, everyone could see the No. 10 jersey, but most of the fans were still wearing the same pink jersey that Messi played for Inter Miami. The scene was like a pink "ocean" .

　　If you look closely at the venue, you can also see many Hong Kong officials and celebrities coming.

The picture shows Inter Miami president Beckham walking around the field to apologize to the fans after the game. Photo by China News Service reporter Hou Yu

　　Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lee Ka-chiu, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Yeung Yun-hung and other officials came to support the event wearing pink shirts or clothing.

　　Hong Kong entertainment and sports figures such as Tony Leung, Carina Lau, Tang Ziqi, and He Shibei were also among the spectators, enjoying the game with citizens and tourists.