In a friendly match between Inter Miami and Japanese club Vissel Kobe, soccer superstar Lionel Messi is expected to take the field on Wednesday in Tokyo. This comes after a public-relations mishap during the previous match, where the Argentine captain remained on the bench for the entire game against a selection of players from the Hong Kong league, causing disappointment among fans who demanded refunds.
Teammate Luis Suarez, another renowned player on Inter Miami, also didn't participate in the previous match. However, Messi, who rarely engages with the media since joining Inter Miami in July, made an appearance at a news conference in Tokyo the day before the upcoming match. Known for his humility, Messi spoke about his current condition and expressed his desire to play.
Messi mentioned feeling much better compared to a few days ago but admitted that he wasn't certain if he would be fit to play. Despite this uncertainty, he expressed his eagerness to be a part of the match. The pressure from local Japanese sponsors, who were excited to see him play against Vissel Kobe, may have influenced his decision to try and take the field.
During the conference, Messi acknowledged the disappointment of Hong Kong fans and explained the impossibility of playing with a groin injury. Some supporters suggested that he could have at least made a brief appearance, but Messi emphasized that the discomfort made it difficult for him to play at all.
In discussing the situation, Messi expressed regret over not being able to participate in the Hong Kong match. He expressed his desire to always be there for his team and the fans, especially in games that are held far from home and generate significant excitement.
Inter Miami's global tour has been somewhat disappointing so far, as the team aims to establish its brand by featuring esteemed players like Messi and Suarez. Winning only once in their five matches across El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong, Inter Miami has been outscored by their opponents, 12-7.
The Asian tour will conclude on Wednesday at Tokyo's National Stadium, an impressive $1.4 billion venue built for the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark Conrad, a professor at Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business who specializes in law, ethics, and sports business, reminded fans that a ticket guarantees access to a match, not the participation of a specific player unless explicitly stated otherwise. While many fans were undoubtedly hoping to see Messi in action, his absence does not constitute a breach of contract.
Messi expressed his hope to visit Hong Kong again in the future, expressing a desire to play in front of the fans who were disappointed this time around. As always, he is determined to be present whenever possible. Nonetheless, he expressed regret over his inability to participate in the previous match, acknowledging the disappointment it caused.
Whether Messi takes the field in the upcoming friendly or not, his presence and willingness to engage with fans have undoubtedly left a lasting impression. As Inter Miami continues to build its brand through this global tour, the team and its star players are learning important lessons in managing expectations, handling injuries, and prioritizing their fans' experience.
