Hong Kong’s government has expressed “extreme disappointment” over Lionel Messi sitting out an exhibition match in the Chinese territory over the weekend and plans to reduce funding for the event.
Local officials said there would be “follow-up actions”, including a reduction in the amount of government funding for the event, which was at least HK$16mn ($2mn).
The organiser, Tatler Asia, denied in a separate statement that they were aware of Messi’s non-participation ahead of Sunday’s match between Inter Miami and the city’s local team. More than 38,000 people attended the game.
The Hong Kong government hoped the event would boost the city’s international profile after three years of Covid-19 restrictions and the imposition of a national security law reduced the territory’s attractiveness for foreign tourists and businesses.
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