Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (front right) presents the trophy to the winner Inter Miami CF after it beat the Hong Kong team 4-1 in a friendly match in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

To the fans’ disappointment, star footballer Lionel Messi failed to play in the match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team on Sunday.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu watched the game and presented the trophy to the winner team.

The special administrative region government said in a statement that the government and all football fans were “extremely disappointed” about the organizer's arrangement about Messi’s no-show for the much-anticipated game, adding that the organizer “owes all football fans an explanation”.

Star footballers Lionel Messi (left) and Luis Suarez walk in the pitch during a friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. Both Messi and Suarez failed to play in the game. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

According to the statement, the Major Sports Events Committee agreed to provide a matching grant of HK$15 million ($1.92 million) and a grant for venue of HK$1 million.

The MSEC will take follow-up actions with the organizer according to the terms and conditions, which includes reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (third, right) greets the players of Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team before the teams' friendly match in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

David Beckham autographs for Gloria Tang Tsz-kei (G.E.M) during the friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

A Lionel Messi fan gets drinks during the friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

David Beckham arrives for the friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Spectators celebrate during the friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Players compete for the ball during the friendly match between Inter Miami CF and the Hong Kong team in Hong Kong on Feb 4, 2024. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)