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Ammon News - Lionel Messi's three days of adulation in Hong Kong ended in heartbreak for his fans as the Argentine did not take to the field in Inter Miami's 4-1 win against a local League XI in a friendly played in front of a sellout crowd on Sunday.

Spectators chanted "refund" and the Hong Kong government said match organisers Tatler Asia may face a reduction in funding after Messi stayed on the bench during the match.

The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) had granted 15 million Hong Kong dollars ($1.92 million) for the event along with a one million Hong Kong dollar grant for the venue, the government said in a statement.

"Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the Government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers' arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation," they said.

"The MSEC will take follow-up actions with the organiser according to the terms and conditions, which includes reducing the amount of funding as a result of Messi not playing the match."

The organisers said they expected Messi and his former Barcelona team mate, Uruguay's Luis Suarez, to play and were extremely disappointed that they did feature in the match.

"Despite some news reports, Tatler did not have any information about the non-participation of Messi or Suarez prior to kick off," they said in a statement.

"Messi and Suarez were deemed unfit to play by their team's medical department, to everyone's, including ours, disappointment."

Reuters