Sports
Messi Plays in Japan After Anger Grows in China Following Snub
- Criticism of the star is among top trending topics on Weibo
- Messi says he felt better and took to pitch in Tokyo friendly
Messi takes part in a training section in Chiba, east of Tokyo on Feb. 6.
Photographer: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Controversy over Lionel Messi’s failure to play in a football match in Hong Kong is showing no sign of ending, after he delighted fans by taking part in a match in Japan just days later.
Comments by Hong Kong sports lawmaker Kenneth Fok accusing Messi and his US club Inter Miami of disrespecting fans were among the top trending topics on Weibo on Wednesday. Another popular topic was partly entitled “Messi’s Mess.”