Messi controversy leads to match cancellation in China
The planned friendly match in China involving the Argentina National Team has been canceled due to backlash over star player Lionel Messi. The match, intended for March against Nigeria in Hangzhou, was called off following reactions to Messi's absence from a match in Hong Kong last week.
Abone Ol
The decision came after Messi, playing for Inter Miami, did not appear in a special match in Hong Kong, sparking discontent among Chinese fans. His subsequent 30-minute play in Tokyo against Vissel Kobe further fueled the controversy.
The Hangzhou Sports Office announced that the conditions were not right for the Argentina vs. Nigeria match due to "known reasons," leading to its cancellation.
The Argentine Football Association is reportedly seeking an alternative location to play against Nigeria, while plans for a friendly match against Ivory Coast in Beijing remain unchanged.
Fans who purchased tickets for the canceled match between Inter Miami and a Hong Kong regional team were informed they would receive a refund of half the ticket price.
Most Read News
-
Mexico open to security deal with US — but ‘without subo
-
Xi, Putin vow to strengthen Russia-China strategic partn
-
Bessent says ‘all options on the table’ as Trump adminis
-
Türkiye welcomes OSCE decision to dissolve Minsk Group
-
Asylum applications in Germany drop 60% in August amid s
-
Israel calls up 60,000 reservists for Gaza City occupati
-
Over 1,000 killed in landslide in western Sudan village
-
Death toll jumps over to 1,400 as earthquake devastates
-
Aid flotilla for Gaza departs Barcelona after weather de
-
France warns any Gaza reconstruction plan with forced di
