Messi a no-show in Hong Kong; outrage ensues after Inter Miami star doesn't play

Fans jeered and chanted for a “refund” during Inter Miami's friendly match in Hong Kong as superstar Lionel Messi remained on the sidelines for the entire game.

HONG KONG -- Furious fans booed, jeered and chanted "refund" during Inter Miami's much-hyped friendly match in Hong Kong Sunday as Lionel Messi remained on the sidelines for the contest's entire 90 minutes, despite pre-game assurances that the superstar player would take the pitch.

Public anger and a blame game has overshadowed the Major League Soccer team's 4-1 victory over the local side in front of more than 38,000 fans, each of whom had paid up to $620 for a ticket.

After the match, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino said Messi had been suffering from muscle inflammation, but many fans questioned why he didn't at least walk onto the pitch or greet the crowd, which also booed during a speech by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

"Despite getting booed, Beckham showed class," said Jay Ganglani, a student in Hong Kong who attended the game. "He still went around the stadium and thanked everyone for coming."

However, Ganglani said the disappointment among fans at Messi's absence was palpable, especially since some had travelled to Hong Kong just to see Messi in action.