Hong Kong's Leader Blames Tatler Asia for Messi Fiasco

  • Lee says Tatler Asia needs to respond to ticket holders
  • Messi says he hopes he can play in Hong Kong in the future
Lionel Messi, right, on the bench during a match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong XI in Hong Kong on Feb. 4.Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

Hong Kong’s leader sought to blame the organizer of Inter Miami’s visit to the city for controversy over Lionel Messi’s failure to play during a much-hyped exhibition game.

“The government will continue to urge the organizer to give a detailed account of the event and actively respond to the requests of ticket holders,” Chief Executive John Lee said at his weekly press briefing. Inter Miami was second on his agenda after national security legislation.