Lionel Messi’s decision to play in a Japan friendly after missing a match in Hong Kong has ignited a wave of fury among Chinese fans and fueled conspiracy theories. The incident, which involves accusations of political motives and deliberate snubs, has stirred intense emotions and calls for explanations from match organizers. While Messi cited injury as the reason for his absence in Hong Kong, some fans question the validity of his claim after seeing him play in Tokyo just days later.
The impact of this news on Chinese fans is significant as it has left them feeling betrayed and disrespected. The 38,000 fans who attended the match in Hong Kong Stadium not only expressed their dissatisfaction by booing but also demanded refunds. Paying up to HK$4,880 (£494; $624) to watch Messi in action, they were left disappointed and disillusioned by his absence. This incident has tarnished Messi’s image in the eyes of many Chinese fans, with some expressing their anger on social media platforms. Accusations of being a “conman” and “garbage” have been hurled at the Argentine, reflecting the level of displeasure among Chinese football enthusiasts.
One of the main concerns arising from this news is the potential damage to Messi’s endorsement deals and brand image in China. As a spokesperson for several major Chinese brands, including Huawei and Tencent, Messi’s reputation is closely tied to his marketability in the country. The backlash he is facing could lead to a decline in his popularity among Chinese consumers, which might impact his endorsement contracts. Brands may reconsider their associations with Messi if his actions are perceived negatively by their target audience.
Moreover, the conspiracy theories surrounding Messi’s decision to play in Japan instead of Hong Kong have raised suspicions and further fueled public anger. The accusation of “political motives” by Chinese state media outlet Global Times has added another layer of complexity to the situation. While there is no concrete evidence to support such claims, the mere speculation of political involvement has intensified the public’s dissatisfaction. The belief that there is a “black hand” behind Messi and Inter Miami manipulating their actions to “embarrass” Hong Kong has irked many individuals, leading to calls for banning Messi from returning to the region.
From a political standpoint, this incident has provoked Hong Kong government officials and lawmakers. Hong Kong’s secretary for culture, sports, and tourism, Kevin Yeung, expressed disappointment and demanded an explanation from the match organizers. The chief executive of the territory, John Lee, also voiced his disappointment and called for accountability. Lawmaker Regina Ip went a step further, fueling the anger by stating that “Hong Kong people hate Messi” and suggesting a deliberate snub. These reactions highlight the potential politicization of sports events and the impact they can have on diplomatic relations.
In terms of future events, the withdrawal of the HK$16m government grant by match organizer Tatler Asia indicates the financial consequences of this incident. By losing the major sporting event designation, the organizers will miss out on government funding. This serves as a warning for event organizers to ensure transparency and fulfill their contractual obligations to avoid financial repercussions in the future.
Overall, the impact of Lionel Messi’s actions on Chinese fans, the eruption of conspiracy theories, and the political reactions emphasizes the need for careful management of public image and fulfillment of contractual agreements. This incident serves as a reminder that the actions of sports icons can have far-reaching consequences beyond the field, impacting their reputation, brand endorsements, and diplomatic relations between countries.
