Lionel Messi’s Participation in Inter Miami’s Pre-Season Friendly in Japan Uncertain Due to Lingering Leg Injury
NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about his ability to participate in Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly in Japan due to a lingering leg injury. This comes after furious fans in Hong Kong voiced their disappointment as Messi remained on the bench during a sold-out friendly, leading to calls for refunds.
Messi addressed the media ahead of Inter Miami’s match against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, stating, “I don’t know if I can play or not, but I feel a lot better and really want to do it.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that his leg injury is improving and expressed eagerness to contribute on the field.
Despite the excitement building for the friendly at Tokyo’s National Stadium, Messi’s availability remains uncertain. He mentioned, “This afternoon we’re going to practice, we’ll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was.”
The recent controversy in Hong Kong, where fans booed Messi and co-owner David Beckham, has garnered attention. Messi explained, “It was really bad luck that I couldn’t play in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, this happens in football, in any game it can happen that you can’t play.”
Messi played down the disappointment, emphasizing his desire to participate, especially in games where the team travels extensively and fans are eager to watch. He expressed hope for a future opportunity to play a game in Hong Kong.
The ongoing pre-season tour has generated attention and excitement for Inter Miami, with the team’s pink colors adorning parts of Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The crowd in Hong Kong, who paid premium prices for tickets, jeered as Messi did not take the field during their 4-1 win against a local select XI.
The 36-year-old Messi had previously played as a substitute in Miami’s match in Saudi Arabia, but a subsequent MRI scan revealed swelling in his leg. Inter Miami’s win in Hong Kong marked their first victory in five pre-season matches, and they have one more friendly against Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys before the new MLS season starts on February 21.
(With inputs from AFP)
Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about his participation in Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly in Japan due to a lingering leg injury. This comes after fans in Hong Kong voiced their disappointment as Messi remained on the bench during a sold-out friendly. Messi addressed the media ahead of Inter Miami’s match against Vissel Kobe, stating that he doesn’t know if he can play but feels better and wants to. Despite the excitement building for the friendly, Messi’s availability remains uncertain. He played down the disappointment in Hong Kong and expressed hope for a future opportunity to play a game there. Inter Miami’s pre-season tour has drawn attention and excitement, but Messi’s leg injury is a concern.
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