Spectators of the match in Hong Kong where Messi did not play will receive half of their ticket money back
It has been reported that spectators will be refunded half of their ticket money due to the fact that Argentine footballer Lionel Messi did not play in the exhibition match between Inter Miami and a Hong Kong regional team.
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According to a report by Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK, the organizer Tatler Asia announced that spectators who purchased tickets through official channels will be refunded half of the amount they paid.
In China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the absence of Argentine star footballer Messi from the exhibition match on February 4, citing an injury, had sparked a backlash from spectators who came to the stadium to watch him.
It was reported that the refund plan was reached following negotiations between the Hong Kong Sports Ministry, the Consumer Council, and the organizing company.
Inter Miami Club also issued a written statement apologizing to Hong Kong football fans for the absence of Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez from the match, while emphasizing that the health of the players is a priority for the club.
They will also not receive money from the Hong Kong government
On the other hand, it was reported that the 16 million Hong Kong dollar (2.05 million dollar) subsidy that the Hong Kong government had pledged to give to the organizing company for the match's contribution to the city's promotion could not be collected, as it was conditional on "Messi playing for at least 45 minutes."
Thus, it is estimated that the organizing company will complete the event, for which it had projected a profit of 13 million Hong Kong dollars (1.66 million dollars), with a loss of 43 million Hong Kong dollars (5.5 million dollars).