Tatler Asia, the organizer of a highly anticipated Inter Miami match in Hong Kong last week, has announced a 50% refund for tickets amid widespread disappointment over Lionel Messi’s absence from the field due to injury, despite playing in a match in Japan just days later.
In a statement posted on its Instagram page, Tatler Asia, a privately owned publishing and lifestyle company, expressed deep regret and heartbreak for letting down fans after Messi remained on the bench during Sunday’s match, which drew 40,000 spectators, some of whom paid up to nearly HK$5,000 ($640) per ticket.
All match day tickets purchased through official channels are eligible for a 50% refund, according to Tatler Asia. The company revealed ongoing discussions with the Hong Kong government to address the issue.
Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino had declared Messi unfit for the friendly in Hong Kong, but the Argentine player appeared as a substitute in the 60th minute during the match against Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Tatler Asia disclosed that efforts were made to persuade Inter Miami CF ownership and management to have Messi address the audience and explain his inability to play, but those requests were not fulfilled. The subsequent participation of Messi and Luis Suarez in the Japan match on Feb. 7 has further fueled criticism.
In Tokyo, the Japan National Stadium witnessed entire blocks of seating remaining unoccupied, with only 28,614 tickets sold. Chinese state media, Hong Kong politicians, and some fans swiftly condemned Messi’s involvement in the Japan match, raising questions about the differential treatment for Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s government acknowledged Tatler Asia’s refund initiative, stating that it reflects the company’s best effort to address the concerns surrounding the incident. The government expressed the hope that Inter Miami would provide a reasonable explanation to Hong Kong citizens and fans who attended the match.
Tatler Asia highlighted Inter Miami’s commitment to ensuring top players like Messi and Suarez would play for 45 minutes unless injured. The company had aimed to create an iconic moment in support of the government’s efforts to showcase Hong Kong’s relevance and excitement, but expressed disappointment that the dream was shattered for both the organizers and ticket holders.
