Messi sets record straight

Lionel Messi took to one of China’s largest social media platforms on Monday to address speculation over his non-appearance in a recent Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong. 

“I’ve heard people say that I didn’t want to play for political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue. 

“Had that been the case I wouldn’t have even travelled to Japan or visited China, as I have many times. Since the start of my career I’ve had a very close and special relationship with China.” 

“As I said in the press conference, I had an inflamed adductor and I couldn’t play in the first game in Saudi Arabia, which is when I felt it. “In the second game I tried to play for a bit, but it got worse. Then on the day before the game (in Hong Kong) I tried to train and made an effort for all those who had come to watch training.” — Reuters