The Inter Miami CF Communications Department has just announced an exhilarating event for soccer enthusiasts in Hong Kong: Lionel Messi, the celebrated eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will be gracing the city alongside his Inter Miami players for a pre-season friendly. This much-awaited match, integral to the club’s first-ever international tour, is set to unfold on February 4th at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 40,000.
The Exciting Matchup: Hong Kong Team Takes on Inter Miami CF in an Anticipated Showdown
Lionel Messi, hailed as one of soccer’s greatest, last graced Hong Kong in 2014, playing against the city’s national team with Argentina. Eric Fok Kai-shan, leader of Hong Kong football, is enthusiastic about next year’s visit from Inter Miami and its global superstar Lionel Messi. He sees this as a pivotal moment to propel the commercial side of football in the city, leveraging the appeal of Messi’s Inter Miami.
The team, partly owned by soccer legend David Beckham, revealed their initial international tour will begin with a clash against a Hong Kong select squad at the national stadium on February 4. This event is a prime opportunity to showcase the talent of the Inter Miami players on an international stage.
Fok announced that despite scheduling conflicts with the AFC Asian Cup quarter-finals, the Hong Kong team, facing the Inter Miami players, will be under the guidance of Jorn Andersen, their national head coach.
The day preceding the big game, Inter Miami players will participate in an open training session at the Hong Kong Stadium, setting the stage for what Fok anticipates as “a big showdown, a spectacular football game,” featuring the skill and charisma of the Inter Miami players.
Inter Miami Owners Reveal: Inside Look at the Team’s First-Ever International Tour
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, expressed his enthusiasm for the tour, highlighting it as a pivotal step in establishing Inter Miami players as global ambassadors of soccer.
“This tour is a golden chance for Inter Miami players to ignite a new wave of fandom in Hong Kong and throughout Asia, truly embracing our vision of being a global club.”
Mas stated.
Echoing Mas’s sentiments, David Beckham, Co-Owner of Inter Miami CF, shared his fondness for Hong Kong’s vibrant sports culture. “Having spent considerable time in Asia, I’m thrilled that Inter Miami players will experience Hong Kong’s dynamic city and engage with its passionate soccer fans,” Beckham remarked.
The Inter Miami players are slated to face a formidable Hong Kong Team, comprising top talents from the Hong Kong First Division League. This much-anticipated match, set to take place in the renowned 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium on February 4, is a significant occasion for the Inter Miami players to showcase their skills on an international platform.
Xavier Asensi, Chief Business Officer, with his personal ties to Hong Kong, shared his excitement about introducing the Inter Miami players to the city’s rich culture and enthusiastic soccer fans. “Bringing Inter Miami players here is a unique opportunity to connect with fans who have not yet experienced our team’s spirit firsthand,” Asensi noted.
Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, emphasized the tour’s strategic importance for the Inter Miami players, both in terms of pre-season preparation and global exposure. “This tour is not just a cultural exchange; it’s a vital part of our strategy to prepare the Inter Miami players for the upcoming 2024 season, offering them a chance to compete in new environments and against diverse opponents,” Henderson explained.
Inter Miami Players in Hong Kong: A High-Demand Event with Messi Magic!
Tickets for this landmark match will be available starting December 15, exclusively through Klook, the event’s ticketing partner. Fans will also have the opportunity to witness the Inter Miami players in action during an open training session on February 3 at the Hong Kong Stadium.
With the worldwide fame of Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami players, obtaining tickets for their upcoming event is anticipated to be highly competitive. To manage this demand, Eric Fok Kai-shan, chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, has urged the government and event organizers to streamline the ticketing process. Fok hopes to maximize access for local football enthusiasts to experience the thrill of seeing these football stars in action and has proposed that the Hong Kong Tourism Board organize extra activities featuring Messi and the Inter Miami players to captivate both residents and visitors.
The ticket prices for the match range from HK$880 to HK$4,880 (USD $112 – $622), while tickets for the open training session on February 3 are priced between HK$580 and HK$780 (USD $75 – $100).
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Details on broadcast times and additional matches for the Inter Miami players during the 2024 preseason will be announced in due course, along with other international destinations the team plans to visit.
Inter Miami’s China Tour Plans Scrapped Unexpectedly
In a surprising shift, Inter Miami CF’s initial plans for their debut international tour to China, unveiled by the communications department in October 2023, have been unexpectedly cancelled. Early in November, NSN, the tour promoter, informed the team about the cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances in China. Despite this hiccup, Inter Miami’s determination to bolster their global presence remains steadfast, as evidenced by the recent announcement of their upcoming Hong Kong journey. The club continues to pursue its ambition of showcasing its talent to fans across the globe, with Hong Kong now set as their new international stage.
Lionel Messi: Transforming Inter Miami and American Soccer in 2023
In a move that has reshaped the landscape of American soccer, Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami in June 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. His immediate impact on the team and the broader football-loving community in America was so profound that TIME Magazine awarded him the “Athlete of the Year” title, a first for a non-American athlete.
Messi’s remarkable start with Inter Miami, scoring 10 goals in his first seven matches, propelled the team to their first-ever trophy by clinching the Leagues Cup. Within just two months, he solidified his place in the annals of Inter Miami legends.
Moreover, his achievement in October of winning his 8th Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player on the American continent to play in the MLS as a Ballon d’Or winner, further cemented his legendary status in the sport.