Organisers blame Inter Miami for Messi no-show in Hong Kong match

(5 Feb 2024) RESTRICTIONS: Use on broadcast and digital channels, including social. Available worldwide. Use within 30 days. Editorial use only. No re-sale. All usage subject to rights licensed in contract. Access OK for SNTV and AP clients with restrictions as specified above. Hong Kong. 5th February 2024. 1. 00:00 Michel Lamuniere walks into news conference 2. 00:13 SOUNDBITE (English): Michel Lamuniere, Chairman and CEO of Tatler Asia: “Tatler Asia promoted Tatler X-Fest Hong Kong under contractual agreement with Inter Miami CF, that marquee players Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and any additional highly recognised players that joined the club prior to the game - which applied to Luis Suarez - will play unless injured. On Sunday, before kick- off, the official teamsheet - a list of players who are available to play in the game, which was submitted by the Inter Miami CF team and signed by the head coach Gerardo Martino - showed Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as substitute(s), and therefore fit to play. Accordingly, Tatler Asia had every expectation that both would play the game. At half-time, when it was communicated by the Inter Miami CF club management that there would be no possibility for Messi to play in the game due to a knee injury, Tatler Asia immediately informed the government. Tatler Asia subsequently spent the second half urging the Inter Miami CF leadership to instruct Messi to address the fans, to no avail. Throughout the whole process, Tatler Asia had the best intention to make the event a great success, for Hong Kong by bringing the best players in the world, and fully understand and share the disappointments of local and overseas fans and stakeholders. Nevertheless, we hope that there will be a lasting positive impact on the thousands of Hong Kong youth, youth Athletes, youth with special needs and students who took part in the two-day community outreach programme with the marquee players. Tatler Asia deeply regrets the disappointing ending to what was an exciting occasion, and has decided to officially withdraw its application for the ’M’ mark event status and $16-million Hong Kong dollars grants. Thank you.“ 3. 02:39 Cutaway of media 4. 02:43 Michel Lamuniere leaves news conference SOURCE: Associated Press DURATION: 02:53 STORYLINE: The organiser of Sunday’s friendly between Inter Miami and a Hong Kong XI apologised in a statement on Monday after Lionel Messi and other stars failed to play a part in the match. Tatler Asia CEO Michel Lamuniere explained the company’s contract with Inter Miami stipulated that the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba would be involved if fit. However, the Tatler Asia were informed during the game that both Messi and Suarez would not play due to knee injuries, despite having been named on the pre-match team-sheet. Some of the 38-thousand fans at Hong Kong Stadium called for refunds when it became clear they would not see their hero in action, and an on-pitch interview with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham after the final whistle was drowned out by jeers and whistles from the stands. Lamuniere also revealed that, due to what had occurred on Sunday, Tatler Asia had withdrawn its application for $16-million Hong Kong dollars ($ US dollars) in government grants. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: