Things went awry during a friendly match between Inter Miami and Hong Kong XI when soccer star Lionel Messi was left on the bench for the duration of the match as fans started demanding their money back.
Messi was expected to feature in the match, but the Argentine star remained on the bench, angering local fans.
Angry spectators could not contain their emotions and turned to the visiting side and their co-owner and legendary footballer David Beckham to demand a refund.
Beckham and his team were booed during the match by angry fans who packed the stadium to see the 2022 World Cup winners.
Messi, the player most of the 40,000 fans paid handsomely for, had a hamstring injury and remained on the bench as an unused substitute.
Afterwards, Beckham’s attempt to address the crowd was drowned out by boos as many headed for the exits.
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Widely regarded as the best ever to play the game, tens of thousands turned out on Saturday to watch Messi stretch out in open training, but that was all they got as the 36-year-old was rested on Sunday.
Local stars G.E.M, Gareth T and Mirror member Keung To had earlier entertained the crowd, which included city leader John Lee, but the day ended on a sour note.
Goals from Robert Taylor, Lawson Connery Sunderland, Leonardo Campana and Ryan Sailor cruised the MLS side to their first win since September 2023.
While Messi did not play, his teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba got a few minutes in the second half.
Inter Miami will now face Vissel Kobe in the club’s next friendly on February 7, where Messi is expected to play.
