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Football star Lionel Messi published a two-minute apology video through Chinese social media Weibo on February 20, 2024, dismissing rumours that his sit-out during a game in Hong Kong was politically motivated and a calculated snub. He spoke of his affection for China and his fans there, and reiterated that an injury kept him from playing. The video was posted days after Chinese sports authorities seemingly barred Messi from playing in a series of scheduled friendly matches in various cities in March.
