Disgruntled Lionel Messi fans who were unable to see the Argentine star play in a Hong Kong friendly will receive partial refunds, the match organiser announced. Tatler Asia said on Monday that ticket holders who purchased through official channels would get 50% back, provided they agree not to pursue legal action and drop existing cases.
The refund offer follows widespread anger in February when Messi sat on the bench in a tracksuit for the entire Inter Miami match against Hong Kong XI due to injury. Tickets cost upwards of HK$1,000 (£101) and drew around 38,000 spectators from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Customers will receive an email and have until 12 April to accept the terms. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the deadline, though the actual receipt date depends on banks. Ticket holders who bought through sponsors will be contacted directly. Processing fees, travel, and accommodation costs will not be refunded.
The partial refunds are expected to cost Tatler Asia up to HK$56m (£5.6m). The organiser claimed it was only told at halftime that Messi would not play and that he refused to interact with fans. Days later, Messi played 30 minutes in Tokyo, intensifying backlash.
China's state-run Global Times said the controversy "has far exceeded the realm of sports", leading to the cancellation of two Argentina friendlies in March. Messi later apologised on Chinese social media platform Weibo, citing a swollen groin injury and saying he always wants to play.
