In the latest stop of Inter Miami’s global exhibition tour, soccer superstar Lionel Messi made a 30-minute appearance in Tokyo, sparking a mixture of excitement and disappointment among fans. Messi’s cameo came after a much-discussed absence due to injury in a previous match in Hong Kong, where he remained on the bench for the entire game, leaving some supporters demanding refunds.
The match in Tokyo saw Messi coming off the bench for the final half-hour, injecting energy into his team and nearly scoring a decisive goal in the 80th minute. However, despite his efforts, the game ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to a penalty shootout which Vissel Kobe ultimately won 4-3. While Messi did not take a penalty, his limited playing time and the result of the match left some fans wanting more.
The disappointment felt by some fans in Tokyo was reminiscent of the reaction in Hong Kong, where Messi’s absence from the field led to booing and demands for explanations. In a rare press conference before the Tokyo match, Messi expressed contrition for the public relations debacle in Hong Kong, stating uncertainty about his fitness until shortly before the match in Tokyo.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino explained that Messi was cleared to play for 30 minutes after indicating he felt good following a practice session. Despite Messi’s comfortable performance during his brief appearance, questions lingered about why he did not participate in the penalty shootout.
The involvement of the Hong Kong government further intensified the scrutiny surrounding Messi’s absence in the previous match. The government called for an explanation from the organizers and teams, highlighting the political and commercial implications of Messi’s participation in Japan compared to his absence in Hong Kong.
Throughout the match in Tokyo, Vissel Kobe demonstrated dominance on the field, hitting the post twice and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Despite Inter Miami’s global promotional tour spanning several countries, including El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong, the team managed to secure only one victory out of six matches.
The preseason tour will culminate in Florida with a match against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s former club from Argentina. Many speculate that Messi may eventually conclude his illustrious career with Newell’s Old Boys, adding anticipation to the upcoming match.
Inter Miami’s roster boasts several former Barcelona players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, underscoring the team’s star-studded lineup. The presence of Messi and other Barcelona alumni has generated significant attention and excitement among fans worldwide, despite mixed results on the field.
In addition to Messi’s appearance, the Tokyo match featured a brief address to the crowd by another former Barcelona star, Andres Iniesta, who played several seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe.
As Inter Miami wraps up its preseason tour, the spotlight remains on Messi and his future endeavors, both on and off the field, as he continues to captivate fans around the globe with his unparalleled talent and star power.
