Lionel Messi: Fans to get 50% refund for no-show match in Hong Kong - BBC News

The Argentine star has faced fury from Chinese fans since skipping the friendly last February.

5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lionel Messi (second from right) remained on the bench throughout the friendly game between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong teamBy Kelly NgBBC NewsLionel Messi's Hong Kong fans who bought tickets to a friendly that he skipped at the last minute will get a 50% refund, the match organiser said.

Messi's absence from the game in February, which he blamed on an injury, sent Chinse fans seething for weeks.

Ticketholders applying for refunds must agree not to pursue legal action, Tatler Asia said.

The refunds could cost up to HK$56m (£5.6m; $7.1m), the publication said.

Fans had paid up to HK$4,880 each to watch the 36-year-old Argentine footballer but Messi remained on the bench throughout the match.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-68603919

---