The Inter Miami forward made a 30-minute appearance against Vissel Kobe, after having stayed on the bench during a Feb 4 friendly in Hong Kong to the dismay of the sell-out crowd, with fans demanding answers and a refund.
Miami coach Tata Martino said Messi, 36, was deemed unfit to play in the Hong Kong match.
China's state-controlled Global Times said Messi's absence posed many questions on the differential treatment for Hong Kong.
"The match in Hong Kong became the only one in Messi's six pre-season friendly matches on this trip where he was absent.
Denne historien er fra February 09, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra February 09, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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