Leo Messi’s HK no-show sparks outrage in China

Lionel Messi. Pic/AFP

Lionel Messi's no-show at a match in Hong Kong has triggered a surge of online outrage in the city and in mainland China, with the football superstar accused of seeking to embarrass Beijing - or even engaging in a sinister foreign plot.

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The Argentine ace and his team Inter Miami sparked fury in Hong Kong from fans on Sunday when he did not play in a friendly, citing injury. Enthusiasts who had splashed upwards of 4,800 Hong Kong dollars to see Messi chanted "Refund!", gave thumbs-down signs and drowned out team's co-owner David Beckham with jeers as he tried to thank the crowd.

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