February 09, (THEWILL) – Chinese authorities have cancelled next month’s planned friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria. The match was set to be played on March 22, in Hangzhou, China. However, the Hangzhou Sports Bureau has now confirmed the cancellation of the event, citing “well-known reasons” in an official statement.
The reasons link to outrage in China over Lionel Messi’s failure to play in Inter Miami’s exhibition match versus Hong Kong last weekend. Messi missed the match due to injury, despite indications he would likely participate. This sparked anger amongst Chinese fans and accusations of political motives. The government-run Global Times speculated Messi sat out the match to embarrass Hong Kong.
Inter Miami has apologised for Messi’s absence and offered ticket refunds. Messi also personally apologised on Chinese social media, Weibo, expressing regret over missing the match due to a flare up of his groin injury. However, criticism in China continues to mount. As a result, authorities have judged conditions are “not mature” to host the planned Argentina versus Nigeria friendly in Hangzhou next month.
The future of Argentina’s second scheduled friendly against Ivory Coast in Beijing remains uncertain. For now, the cancellation represents a major setback in efforts to grow the game in the spiralling aftermath of Messi’s high-profile no show last weekend. With tensions running high, the likelihood of prompt rescheduling appears slim.
Ultimately, the episode spotlights the power and influence a global icon like Messi wields – even in absentia. One missed match has now triggered a minor geopolitical fallout, putting future Argentinean visits to China in doubt.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
