The Communist Party of China (CCP) recently made headlines after banning soccer superstar Lionel Messi from attending a friendly match with a Hong Kong team that attracted tens of thousands of fans in Hong Kong. This move triggered great displeasure among both fans and pro-CCP politicians who believe these events contribute to Hong Kong’s global reputation and economic wellbeing. Tatler Asia, organizers of this Hong Kong matchup, have since offered refunds to fans who paid hundreds of dollars to attend this game.
Messi took to Chinese social media on Monday evening to address the controversy over his absence in Hong Kong and say he is deeply sorry that he missed playing there, not due to any political considerations but because an inflamed adductor worsened three days before.
However, the explanation offered by Inter Miami did little to assuage fans’ displeasure at not seeing Messi play in Hong Kong, nor at his performance three days later in Tokyo; giving no signs of his reported groin injury that had kept him out. Chinese state-backed nationalist tabloid Global Times editorialized that Messi and Inter Miami’s explanations were unconvincing.
China has taken steps to further limit Messi’s presence by banning him from state-controlled television programs and advertisements featuring him. There is concern that any future matches featuring Messi may also be cancelled or relocated outside China.
State-controlled CCTV sports channel cut its original opening scene featuring Messi lifting the trophy for footage showing German captain Philipp Lahm doing so instead. Furthermore, many of Messi’s famous goals weren’t shown indicating that CCP had edited prior to broadcast.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long used celebrity endorsement to increase international standing for China and promote itself abroad. If these attempts go awry, however, the regime quickly reacts with harsh repression against any individual that deviates from official policy.
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