Disappointed fans ‘could be given partial refund over Lionel Messi no-show during Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong’

The World Cup winner took part in a match in Japan shortly after his Hong Kong visit, further fuelling calls for a refund.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu on Thursday delivered an ultimatum outside the Small Claims Tribunal in West Kowloon, saying that more than a dozen people were ready to file their claims if Tatler Asia did not explain within a week why Messi stayed on the bench and offer refunds to those who paid more than HK$3,000 (US$384) each for tickets.

‘It was bad luck’: Messi breaks silence after no-show in Hong Kong game

As of Thursday afternoon, the city’s consumer watchdog has logged 1,178 complaints linked to ticket sales for the match, including 234 from tourists. Claims have snowballed to about HK$8.1 million.

Disappointment over the game, supported by the government, has prompted a review of authorities’ system that offers organisers of large-scale sports events extra funding and logistics support.

Sports minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung also said the government had never seen the contract details between the organiser and Inter Miami, despite the understanding that Messi would play for 45 minutes unless he was injured.

Additional reporting by Joshua Ball