Editorial | Messi magic can help Hong Kong score on world mega-events map
- Arrival of legendary World Cup-winning footballer excites both fans and officials keen to show Hong Kong’s return to the global stage
After missing out on mega events to its Asian neighbours because it was slower to reopen after the pandemic and seen to lack world-class venues, Hong Kong is in thrall to a visit from a football team captained by Lionel Messi, the Argentinian World Cup winner regarded as the greatest soccer player of his era.
Fingers are crossed that everything goes to plan after the organisers of tours by superstars Taylor Swift and British rock band Coldplay bypassed Hong Kong for Singapore, Japan and the Philippines. It was a stinging snub with the city so in need of big events to lure tourists and put itself back on the global map after social unrest and Covid-19.
Government officials were on hand at the airport on Friday to meet Messi’s Inter Miami, co-owned by former Manchester United star David Beckham, when they arrived for a friendly fixture against a team drawn from the local Premier League at Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday. This will follow a public training session on Saturday.
Capacity 40,000 crowds are anticipated at both events, and those without tickets can watch on television.
02:28
Messi mania as football superstar arrives in Hong Kong
Messi mania has taken off, from pricey souvenir merchandise such as shirts, which have been flying off the shelves, to police crowd control measures including road closures and warnings against fan hysteria. Bars and restaurants can also expect a boost.
Organisers, the government and fans are looking forward to seeing Messi at both events. In an earlier match against Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, Messi sat out all but seven minutes before coming on as substitute.
