Hong Kong's government has demanded an explanation from organizers after Lionel Messi sat out Inter Miami's friendly there on Sunday, despite the World Cup winner featuring heavily in advertising.
Furious fans booed David Beckham, Inter Miami president and co-owner, as he greeted the 40,000 strong crowd afterwards and thanked them for their 'incredible welcome'.
The Manchester United and England legend was roundly jeered during his speech after fans paid as much as $460 for a glimpse of Messi in action.
The World Cup-winning captain, who has a hamstring strain, stayed rooted to the bench throughout alongside Luis Suarez.