How Lionel Messi’s Hong Kong visit went from cheers to jeers and anger

Hong Kong lawmakers and a sports industry leader have demanded authorities recover funds they provided for a high-profile football match that disappointed tens of thousands of fans and undermined the city’s status as an events hub. The events included a February 4, 2024, exhibition match where Inter Miami star Lionel Messi never took the field. Post Sports Editor Joshua Ball tries to unpack what we know about why the world-famous footballer travelled to Hong Kong without playing and what repercussions might lie ahead after the incident.