Lionel Messi’s Head Kicked Off Cardboard Cutout by Angry Fan After Hong Kong Inter Miami No Show

• Lionel Messi's head was knocked off from a cardboard cutout by an apparent angry fan
• Fans were disappointed after Messi failed to play against Hong Kong XI on February 4
• The Hong Kong government has demanded an explanation from the event organisers

Inter Miami's tour of Hong Kong as part of their preseason did not go as planned, with fans disappointed after Lionel Messi failed to play.

The Argentine star was supposed to feature against Hong Kong XI but remained on the bench for the entire game, drawing boos from the sold-out 40,000-seater arena. Inter Miami won the game 4-1.

The Hong Kong government has demanded answers from the David Beckham-owned team.

The Minister for Sports, Culture and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, stated that the government had an agreement with the club that Messi would feature for at least 45 minutes.

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"Messi was not able to play in the friendly game today, and the government and fans are equally disappointed at the arrangements made by the event organiser. They owe fans an explanation."

CNN adds that some fans paid up to $624 for the tickets, with the pre-match advertising heavily focused on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Inter Miami head coach, Tata Martino, explained Messi picked up an injury that was noticed late before the game. The former Barcelona captain had earlier featured in the open-day training session.

Fan knocks Messi's head off

An angry fan took out his frustration by kicking Messi's head off from a cardboard cutout of the 36-year-old and his fellow stars, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

Suarez, who recently moved to Miami, also did not play.

Messi suffers explosion scare

Sports Brief also previously reported that Messi was scared by an 'explosion' at the Hong Kong Arena amid his troubled Asian tour.

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The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner stepped onto the pitch for the post-match trophy presentation when a pyrotechnic device backfired.

Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko was slightly moved as the rest of the players, including Messi, had varied reactions to the loud sound.