Beijing Football Association: No Rescheduling for Messi Missed Match

Chinese officials have canceled two Argentina friendlies scheduled to be held in the country after Lionel Messi did not play for Inter Miami in a match in Hong Kong. The planned matches against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing in March were scrapped following the controversy.

Messi cited a groin injury for his absence in the Hong Kong XI match but criticism arose when he played off the bench three days later in Japan. The Beijing Football Association stated they currently have no plans to reschedule the match involving Messi.

The cancellation was attributed to conditions not being met, as acknowledged by the sports bureau in Hangzhou. Fans in Hong Kong expressed displeasure leading to a 50% refund promise from match organizers Tatler Asia.