Soccer star Lionel Messi, in a statement posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo, explained his absence from a recent exhibition game in Hong Kong, attributing it to an inflamed adductor rather than political reasons. Despite his clarification, the incident failed to restore Messi's tarnished reputation in China as experts call for more transparent communication in such situations. The fallout from Messi's absence sparked a wave of online discussions and trending topics on Chinese social media platforms, with viewpoints ranging from frustration to acceptance of his explanation.

The controversy surrounding Messi's missed game in Hong Kong is not an isolated incident, as fans have previously faced similar disappointments when stars like Cristiano Ronaldo failed to appear at commercial matches. In situations where sports stars miss scheduled appearances, the way in which they and the organizers handle the aftermath plays a crucial role in mitigating public discontent. The importance of swift, fact-based responses and clear contractual agreements to address such controversies has been emphasized by experts, highlighting the need for proactive crisis management strategies in the sports industry.

Adam Zhang Qing, founder of a sports marketing consultancy, stressed the significance of timely, fact-based responses and comprehensive contractual agreements to prevent similar crises in the future. The incident involving Messi not only sheds light on the impact of sports stars' actions on their public image but also serves as a lesson for organizers in handling superstar-related activities or matches. The episode underscores the necessity for open communication, adherence to facts, and proactive measures to address controversies swiftly and effectively in the sports industry.