Football is a global sport and an expression of culture. Football stars are not only athletes, but also public figures, and their words and actions receive a variety of attention and evaluations. Messi is one such football star, and during a world tour in February 2024, he suffered an unprecedented controversy and crisis that seriously damaged his image and reputation.
Messi is the captain of the Argentine football team and one of the most famous football stars in the world. He went on a world tour with Inter Miami FC in February 2024, playing in several friendlies. It was supposed to be an opportunity to showcase his football skills and charisma, as well as to enhance his friendship and understanding with fans from different countries and regions. However, the tour turned into a nightmare, turning Messi from a national favorite to an object of public anger.
Messi's controversial journey began in Hong Kong. On February 4, Messi did not play in an exhibition match with the Hong Kong Stars at the Hong Kong Stadium, leaving more than 40,000 fans disappointed and angry. These fans all bought tickets to see Messi's performance, and they felt that Messi was deceiving and belittling them. Messi's absence also made the Hong Kong SAR** and the tournament organizers extremely disappointed, and demanded a reasonable explanation from Messi and Miami International. Messi said at a press conference two days later that he could not play because of a groin injury, but his words were not recognized and forgiven by fans. They think Messi is lying, or deliberately snubbing Hong Kong.
Messi's controversial journey culminated in Japan. On February 7, in a friendly match between Kobe, Japan, and Vissel Kobe, Messi came on as a substitute in the last 30 minutes and was active. This has left many wondering if Messi's injury is real and whether he is deliberately neglecting Hong Kong. Messi issued an apology statement via social media after the game, but this did not quell the anger of fans, but instead caused more doubts and boycotts. Messi's apology statement was found to have been issued from an IP address in Sichuan, not from Japan, raising doubts about whether Messi actually apologized personally or if his team did it for him. Some of Messi's endorsement brands in China have also been boycotted and demanded by fans to cut ties with Messi.
Messi's controversial journey is not just an event in the field of sports, but also involves issues of political and cultural dimensions. Some Chinese state media and commentators have viewed Messi's actions as disrespectful and insulting to China and Hong Kong, and have even exposed the anti-China background of the Miami International Club owner and his CIA connections. Some Hong Kong politicians also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation of Messi, believing that he consciously drew a line with Hong Kong, and even refused to shake hands with Hong Kong's chief executive. Messi's controversial journey has also sparked reflection and introspection among some Chinese fans, who have questioned why they should blindly worship a foreign football star and ignore the development of local football and cultural self-confidence.
Messi's controversial journey also reminds us that as a public figure, especially an international superstar, you must always be mindful of your words, deeds and image, respect different cultures and audiences, and take your own responsibilities and consequences.