Argentina-Nigeria friendly cancelled amid Lionel Messi backlash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will face Argentina in a friendly match in March in China

The fallout from Lionel Messi’s absence from an Inter Miami match in Hong Kong has led to the cancellation of the upcoming fixture between Argentina and Nigeria in Hangzhou, Soccernet.ng reports.

Messi’s failure to appear in the friendly against a Hong Kong XI last week due to a reported groin injury sparked outrage among fans, who were subsequently offered 50 percent refunds by the event organizers.

This move to reimburse fans is estimated to cost Tatler Asia around $56 million in Hong Kong dollars. The backlash extended beyond Hong Kong, with mainland China joining in the criticism, suggesting that Messi’s absence may have been politically motivated.

In response to the escalating discontent, Chinese sporting authorities announced the cancellation of the Argentina-Nigeria friendly in Hangzhou, citing the well-known reasons surrounding Messi’s absence.

It remains unclear whether Argentina’s other scheduled friendly against the Ivory Coast in Beijing will also face cancellation.

“In view of the current well-known reasons, according to the competent authorities, conditions to hold the friendly match are not mature; therefore, (we)  have decided to cancel it.” as quoted by Sportsbible.

Meanwhile, Argentina will also face Cote d’Ivoire in Beijing, and it cannot be confirmed yet if the clash will be cancelled as well.

No information has been received from the Nigerian football federation as the Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for their final clash against the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations host, Côte d’Ivoire.