Inter Miami returned to winning ways this afternoon in Hong Kong, yet it was a friendly to forget for David Beckham and Lionel Messi.
The Argentine international was an unused substitute for the MLS franchise with Messi featuring heavily for the Herons during their worldwide pre-season tour, with Luis Suarez also not featuring.
With many of the 40,000 Hong Kong fans coming out today to watch Messi, there was plenty of disappointment surrounding the supporters when the full-time whistle blew.
#NOW: David Beckham gets booed at the Hong Kong Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xbkt1BfbOf
— Jay Ganglani (@GanglaniJay) February 4, 2024
And in a video captured by Jay Ganglani, the Inter Miami chairman and co-owner was heavily booed in a post-match speech, with fans even calling out for refunds with Messi not playing.
Indeed, the outrage from supporters is more than warranted given how big an appeal watching Messi is for many soccer fans, even at this stage in his career.
However, Inter Miami sticking to their guns and resting the forward should be admired, with Tata Martino showing backbone that will keep Messi fit for the 2024 MLS season.
Inter Miami can weather Hong Kong storm with ease
Like every game Inter Miami will play as long as Messi as at the club, there will be fans who only turn out just to see the Argentine superstar.
The 36-year-old is the greatest to ever play the game and watching Messi play is considered Bucket List material for the majority of soccer and sports fans.
Yet Inter Miami know they have to weather this Hong Kong storm, with Martino and his coaching staff, ultimately, making the right call to rest Messi this afternoon.
Of course, it will lead to outrage from supporters, yet Messi is a player who cannot be overworked, and Inter Miami should be applauded for their approach in Hong Kong this pre-season.
