Messi sets record straight over Hong Kong absence

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi. Pic: Eugene Hoshiko, AP

Lionel Messi took to one of China's largest social media platforms on Monday to address speculation over his non-appearance in a recent Inter Miami friendly in Hong Kong.

Chinese state media, Hong Kong politicians and fans reacted angrily when the 36-year-old Argentine forward came off the bench three days later in a friendly match in Tokyo.