Hong Kong soccer fans and sponsors, including the government, were left disappointed and frustrated when Lionel Messi, TIME's Athlete of the Year, remained on the bench for the entire match during an exhibition game between his MLS team, Inter Miami, and a local Hong Kong team. The event, seen as an economic recovery effort for post-COVID Hong Kong, drew criticism and boos from the 40,000 spectators at the sold-out stadium. Despite explanations and apologies, the disappointment has sparked anger

⚽ Messi's much-anticipated match in Hong Kong ends in frustration for fans as the soccer legend remains on the bench! 😢 #Messi #HongKong #Soccer #football | CGTNEurope