Miami sorry for Messi’s Hong Kong absence

Inter Miami have apologised for Lionel Messi’s inability to play an exhibition game in Hong Kong, a late decision that infuriated fans and disappointed organisers but one the Major League Soccer club deemed necessary.
Argentine Messi, record eight-times Ballon D’Or winner, did not warm up in front of the 40,000 fans in Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday as he was being assessed by medical staff who decided it was too risky for him and team mate Luis Suarez to play.
“Despite our best intentions, we understand there has been disappointment over the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Sunday’s match and we are sorry that the two players could not participate,” Miami said in a statement.
“We also recognize that the late decision caused frustration among our Hong Kong supporters and the event promoter, Tatler Asia. We do feel it necessary to express that injuries are unfortunately a part of the beautiful game, and our player’s health must always come first.”