Beckham got into trouble with the Hong Kong government for defending Messi

Hong Kong’s government has demanded an explanation from organizers after Lionel Messi sat out Inter Miami’s friendly there on Sunday, despite the World Cup winner featuring heavily in advertising.

Furious fans booed David Beckham, Inter Miami president and co-owner, as he greeted the 40,000 strong crowd afterwards and thanked them for their ‘incredible welcome’.

The Manchester United and England legend was roundly jeered during his speech after fans paid as much as $460 for a glimpse of Messi in action.

The World Cup-winning captain, who has a hamstring strain, stayed rooted to the bench throughout alongside Luis Suarez.

Echoing the fans’ anger, the Hong Kong government said it could withdraw $2million of funding to the organizers that helped bring Inter Miami to the city.

‘The organizer owes all football fans an explanation,’ it said.

It was reportedly made clear to fans when they purchased tickets that there would be no refunds issued if Messi didn’t play.

Miami coach Gerardo Martino said the club’s medical team had taken the decision after an assessment on Sunday morning.

‘We understand the disappointment of the fans for the absence of Leo (Messi),’ Martino told reporters.

‘We understand a lot of fans are very disappointed and we ask for their forgiveness.