Lionel Messi expressed on Tuesday that his leg injury is improving, but he cannot guarantee his availability for Inter Miami's pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan. After facing backlash from disappointed fans in Hong Kong when he didn't take the field for a sold-out friendly, Messi remains uncertain about his participation in the upcoming match.
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, told reporters, "I don't know if I can (play) or not but I feel a lot better and really want to do it." He added, "This afternoon we're going to practice, we'll try again. I have a good feeling, compared to how I was."
Anticipation has been building for the friendly at Tokyo's National Stadium, with Inter Miami's pink colors adorning parts of the trendy Shibuya district. Tickets for the Japan leg of the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's globetrotting pre-season tour have been priced between 10,000 yen ($68) and 200,000 yen ($1,346), with even higher-priced "special experience" packages available.
In Hong Kong, angry scenes unfolded after nearly 40,000 fans, who had paid for expensive tickets, booed Messi and displayed thumbs-down signs when he remained on the bench during the team's 4-1 victory against a local select XI. The Hong Kong government has demanded an explanation from the match's organizers.
Messi acknowledged the disappointment among fans and stated, "It was really bad luck that I couldn't play in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, this happens in football, in any game, it can happen that you can't play." He added, "I always want to participate, I want to play, especially in these games where we travel so far, and people want to see our games. I hope we can return and play a game in Hong Kong."
The controversy arose after Messi, aged 36, came on as a substitute for only six minutes during Miami's previous match in Saudi Arabia last Thursday. He clarified, "I played the minutes that I did to see how I felt. I later did an MRI scan, and it turned out I had an edema (swelling)."
Miami's victory in Hong Kong marked their first win in five pre-season matches. They previously drew 0-0 in El Salvador, experienced defeats against fellow MLS side FC Dallas and two club sides in Saudi Arabia.
Before the new MLS season commences on February 21, Inter Miami has one more friendly match scheduled against Argentina's Newell's Old Boys at home next week.