Lionel Messi is having a tough time in China after the Inter Miami fiasco. The local federations have cancelled the Argentine national team’s scheduled matches

Inter Miami went to Asia in preparation for the new season. Besides Saudi Arabia, he also visited Hong Kong and Japan. The main star of the foreign tour was supposed to be Lionel Messi, but he mostly did not play, which caused a big scandal in Asia, and the Argentine national team will pay for it.

Lionel Messi is the best footballer in history. Eight Ballon d’Ors, many trophies won, as well as individual prizes. In addition, he is one of the most popular sportsmen and personalities on the planet. It’s no wonder there’s so much interest in him.

Despite the fact that he no longer plays in Europe, but overseas. So when Inter Miami comes to town, it’s a busy time for the team. It wouldn’t be the same without the Argentine idol, even though his teammates like Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets are no strangers either.

Currently, the team from Florida is preparing for the new MLS season and the preparation included a foreign tour. For example, Lionel Messi travelled with the team to Saudi Arabia, where his team lost to both Al-Hilal and Al-Nasser.

The duel with Al-Nasser in particular was a major debacle. Cristiano Ronaldo watched the duel from the stands, but celebrated the 6-0 victory. The Argentine was injured, but only came on for the last few minutes.

Then it was off to Hong Kong, where sheer madness reigned. Everyone was eager to see Lionel Messi perform his magic on the pitch. The Argentine was the centre of attention. But he spent the entire match he and his team arrived for on the bench.

Already during the match, there was a great deal of disillusionment. Fans demanded a refund. The disappointment was not hidden by the local government, which promised to consider various steps.

Lionel Messi is in trouble in China

Lionel Messi was due to return to the Asian continent in March. Specifically, to China, where the Argentine national team was to play friendly matches. They were supposed to play Nigeria in Hangzhou, while the match against Ivory Coast was to take place in Beijing.

However, the authorities there took a decisive step. Both matches were cancelled. “At the moment, we are not planning to organise a match in which Lionel Messi is expected to appear. For reasons known to all, the conditions for holding the event are not met, according to the relevant authorities,” the BBC quotes a statement from the Beijing and Hangzhou Football Association.

Inter Miami are currently facing their last friendly before the start of the MLS season. Lionel Messi is expected to appear against the Argentine side that nurtured him, Newell’s Boys, on February 16. The MLS is scheduled to start on February 22, with the Florida side taking on Real Salt Lake.

Source: BBC