Messi’s nonappearance in the February match, attributed to injury, left Chinese fans furious for weeks.

According to Tatler Asia, ticketholders requesting refunds are required to waive their right to legal action.

The potential refunds, estimated at HK$56 million (£5.6 million; $7.1 million), could be a substantial financial hit, the publication noted.

Fans had shelled out up to HK$4,880 each to witness the 36-year-old Argentine star in action, but Messi remained sidelined throughout the game.

At the conclusion of the match, a sold-out Hong Kong Stadium echoed with boos from the disappointed crowd of 38,000, clamoring for refunds.

Tatler Asia claimed they were only informed of Messi’s absence at halftime, prompting them to promptly notify the authorities.

Despite Hong Kong authorities’ attempts to persuade Messi to engage with fans on the field, he did not comply.

Messi later participated in a match in Japan, citing a “swollen and painful” groin injury as the reason for his absence in Hong Kong.

This explanation further angered his fans and sparked conspiracy theories. The Global Times, a state media outlet, accused Messi and his club Inter Miami of having “political motives” aimed at “humiliating” Hong Kong.

Messi refuted these allegations, emphasizing his “special affection” for the people of China.

The backlash against Messi persisted for weeks, leading Chinese officials to cancel two scheduled Argentine friendlies in the country this month.

This was a stark contrast to the warm reception Messi received in June the previous year when Argentina played Australia in a friendly at Beijing’s Worker’s Stadium.

Tatler Asia stipulated that refund applicants must agree to certain terms, including refraining from pursuing legal action.

Facing criticism for its handling of the situation, the organization withdrew its application for a HK$16 million government grant.

Lionel Messi

This season he played in total 3 times for 270 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 3 goals for Inter Miami. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 1st in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami won 3-1 against DC United.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami is currently 1st in the Major League Soccer with 10 points.

In the last 5 games, it has won 3 times, drawn once, and lost once. In its last match, Inter Miami won 1-3 against DC United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 13 goals and conceding 5.​