Lionel Messi speaks in Tokyo: Inter Miami star explains injury, failed Hong Kong match

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi had a rare speaking engagement in Tokyo on Tuesday, where he addressed the injury that kept him out of a match in Hong Kong displeasing fans and local officials.

Messi has a hip adductor injury he suffered in the first of two matches in Saudi Arabia last week. Although an MRI found no injury, Messi said he still experienced discomfort. Messi said the injury was an “unlucky” situation, and hopes to play again in Hong Kong if the opportunity arises.

As for Wednesday’s match in Tokyo against Vissel Kobe, Messi says he feels much better and is eager to play, but must reevaluate after Tuesday’s practice.

More important, Messi wants to go home. Inter Miami traveled to El Salvador and Dallas before hitting Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Tokyo in the last two weeks.

“I’m a little tired from this whole tour, [I have] a desire to finish up the last game and to return home,” Messi said during a press conference.

When is Messi’s next match in Tokyo?

Messi and Inter Miami will face Japanese champions Vissel Kobe on Wednesday at 5 a.m. ET at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

Messi, David Beckham booed during as Inter Miami in Hong Kong

Fans became restless in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over a group of Hong Kong All-Stars as the second half lingered and Messi continued to watch from the bench in Inter Miami clothes.

Messi, David Beckham and Inter Miami were serenaded with boos at Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday, one day after they participated during a training session in front of a sold-out crowd.

Messi said he really wanted to play in Hong Kong, and participated in the practice with local children in front of fans.

“The unfortunate thing about soccer, it can happen in any game where I can get an injury,” Messi said. “It’s really unfortunate because I always want to participate and play. Even more when it’s these types of games that we travel so far, and the people are so excited to see us play.”

After the match, the Hong Kong Government released a statement, expressing “extreme disappointment” for Messi’s absence. Event promoter Tatler said Monday it urged Inter Miami to make Messi available to play, but were informed in the second half he would not be available.

Lionel Messi injury timeline: What led to Messi’s hip adductor injury?

Jan. 29: Messi scored on a penalty kick and played to the 88^th minute against Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal last Monday, where he first experienced the injury.

Jan. 31: Messi practiced with Inter Miami, one day before Al Nassr match, leading to the MRI evaluation.

Feb. 1: Messi did not start, but came on as a substitute against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. He entered in the 83^rd minute and played through six minutes of extra time conservatively.

Feb. 3: Messi ran around Hong Kong Stadium and participated in some light workouts with Inter Miami teammates.

Feb. 4: Messi was listed as a substitute on Inter Miami’s roster for the Hong Kong match, but Inter Miami did not list him on their roster published on social media. He did not play.

What is Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule?

Inter Miami returns home after its match in Tokyo on Wednesday.

One week later, it will host its final preseason match against Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s hometown team, on Feb. 15 at DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami begins the 2024 MLS regular season at home against Real Salt Lake on Feb. 21, and will travel to face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Feb. 25.