Anger over Messi’s absence in Hong Kong game spreads: Argentina friendly in mainland China canceled

By KANIS LEUNG
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — An Argentina soccer friendly in China next month has been canceled in more fallout from Lionel Messi failing to play in a club exhibition match in Hong Kong. World Cup champion Argentina organized a tour of China for next month but the Hangzhou hosts of a game against Nigeria have canceled it. A second match against Ivory Coast in Beijing is to go ahead. Meanwhile, Hong Kong organizers of the club friendly with Inter Miami say they will offer a 50% refund following days of backlash from angry fans and the government. The grievances from Hong Kong fans stem from Messi failing to play against a local team last Sunday. His injury excuse didn’t wash with them when he played for 30 minutes on Wednesday in Tokyo.