Lionel Messi commented on missing Inter Miami’s game in Hong Kong.

The absence of the Argentine legend brought significant disappointment among the locals who attended the stadium to watch their idol play last Sunday.

Messi was asked about this at Tuesday’s press conference before the match against Vissel Kobe and here is what he had to say:

“I missed the last match in Hong Kong due to muscle discomfort. I really wanted to play because many people came, but this is part of the game.

“It is a pity because I always want to be there. Especially when it comes to these types of games that we travel so far and that people are so excited to see one of our games. Hopefully, we can come back and play another game in Hong Kong.”

Lisandro Martínez will be out for 45 to 60 days due to an injury.

Per reports by journalist Gastón Edul, the Argentine defender has a sprained collateral ligament. Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag stated after the game vs. West Ham that Martínez injury “did not look good.” Fortunately, it was less severe than expected. He does not have an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the knee, which was feared yesterday, and he will not need surgery. The recovery time is expected to be between a month and a half and two months.

The 26-year-old had recently returned from a foot injury that had him over three months out of the pitch. Although it is not confirmed, he will most likely miss Argentina’s friendly games in China in March.