‘False stories’: Lionel Messi explains Inter Miami absence in Hong Kong

• Messi missed Hong Kong friendly then played three days later
• World Cup winner cites inflamed adductor as reason for absence

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 Argentinian forward came off the bench three days later in a friendly match in Tokyo.