2024-02-06T08:27:21+00:00
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/ Fans of Argentine legend Lionel Messi in Asia were dealt a new blow after doubts were raised about his participation in an anticipated friendly match in Japan.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi said Tuesday his injury is “improving” but he could not guarantee he would be ready to play in Inter Miami’s friendly against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday in preparation for the new season.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to play,” Messi said in a press conference when asked about his presence against the Japanese champions. “But I feel much better and I hope I can play. Today in the afternoon we will train and I will try. I feel good compared to how I was.”
Excitement is building ahead of the friendly at Tokyo’s National Stadium, with Inter Miami’s pink colours adorning parts of the city’s trendy Shibuya district.
Tickets for the match range in price from 10,000 yen ($68) to 200,000 yen ($1,346), with higher prices for “special experience” packages.
Two days ago, angry fans in Hong Kong booed Messi and the club’s co-owner, former England star David Beckham, and demanded their money back at the Hong Kong Stadium, because the Qatar World Cup winner did not participate with his country’s national team.