Six weeks after Lionel Messi’s no-show at a Hong Kong football friendly triggered fan fury, organizers have begun processing partial refunds—but the drama isn’t over yet.
Tatler Asia announced Monday that ticket buyers for the February 4 match will get 50% refunds, with some fans recouping up to HK$4,880 ($625). The refund window closes April 12, and payments will hit accounts within 30 days.
The Inter Miami star’s absence caused an uproar in China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), where fans booed and chanted “Refund!” after he sat out the 4-1 win against a local team. Messi later cited a groin injury, but confusion deepened when he played 30 minutes in Tokyo just three days later.
While the refunds aim to cool tensions, many still question why ‘La Pulga’ skipped the SAR event. As one fan tweeted: \"Half the money back doesn’t fix a broken heart.\"
