In the midst of a diplomatic storm, Lionel Messi had to make an explanatory video to calm relations between China and Argentina.
On the importance taken by Lionel Messi in the diplomatic sphere. On February 4, Inter Miami played a gala match against a Hong Kong selection – a match in which La Pulga did not take part, which triggered the ire of the public who came in droves to see the star Argentina. And by extension the Chinese authorities.
In retaliation, China canceled the friendly matches of the Argentine selection scheduled on its territory next March, against Nigeria and Ivory Coast. A real diplomatic clash which forced Lionel Messi to make a video to justify his absence from this famous meeting organized in Hong Kong.
“I really couldn’t play”
“ I heard that I didn’t want to play for political reasons, that’s not true at all. I have visited China several times since the start of my career. I have very good relations with this country “, assures the nine-time Ballon d’Or in a video posted on the Chinese social network Weibo.
“ As I said in the press conference, I had inflammation in my adductor. The day before, I tried to train and make an effort for everyone present. I did what I could. I really couldn’t play », he finally explains to end the controversy.
