"Him playing that many games probably cost Portugal...": Ex-England international slams Cristiano Ronaldo after achieving personal milestone
Lionel Messi wraps up Inter Miami's worldwide tour with Tokyo appearance after missing match in Hong Kong
Lionel Messi came off the bench in the final half-hour, lifting his teammates' spirits and nearly scoring in the 80th minute with two shots from close range.
![Lionel Messi wraps up Inter Miami's worldwide tour with Tokyo appearance after missing match in Hong Kong Yosuke Ideguchi of Vissel Kobe (L) and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami compete for the ball. (Getty Images)](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240207T153601083Z133994/20240207T153601083Z133994_400_225.webp?width=180&quality=60)
After keeping fans guessing about his participation, Lionel Messi joined the game in the second half on February 7 and came close to scoring within 30 minutes against J-League side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.
Messi entered the game as a substitute for the final half-hour, injecting energy into his teammates and creating the best chance of the match in the 80th minute with two point-blank shots, both saved by the Vissel Kobe defence.
Following a 0-0 draw in regulation time, the match went to penalty kicks, with Vissel winning the shootout 4-3. However, Messi did not take a penalty, drawing jeers from the crowd of 28,614 at Tokyo's National Stadium, which has a capacity of 68,000.
However, the level of booing in Tokyo was not as intense as that witnessed in Hong Kong, where Messi remained on the bench throughout the entire game due to a groin injury, prompting some fans to demand refunds.
Addressing the public relations debacle in a rare press conference in Tokyo on February 6, the Argentine star expressed contrition. Initially uncertain about his fitness for the Tokyo match, Messi's appearance on the field during the second half elicited loud cheers from the crowd.
Vissel had two close attempts hitting the post in the first half and dominated much of the match, creating the best chances.
The match in Tokyo marked the conclusion of Inter Miami's global promotional tour, spanning from El Salvador to Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and ending in Tokyo.
Inter Miami won just one out of the six games during their pre-season. The pre-season will conclude on February 16 in Florida with a match against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's childhood club from Rosario, Argentina. There are high expectations that he may end his career there.
Inter Miami boasts several former Barcelona players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
Another former Barcelona star, Andres Iniesta, who played several seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe, briefly addressed the crowd before the match.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Quick Links
Popular Posts
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T181013063Z620307/20240906T181013063Z620307_400_225.webp)
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T122704308Z364366/20240906T122704308Z364366_400_225.webp)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina thrashed Chile as star player misses out due to injury
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T094236506Z855858/20240906T094236506Z855858_400_225.webp)
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo gets overwhelmed with emotions after scoring 900th goal of his career during Nations League clash against Croatia
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240905T185335759Z066257/20240905T185335759Z066257_400_225.webp)
Alex Morgan retires: United States women’s national team stalwart Alex Morgan announces retirement after illustrious career
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T200050236Z257429/20240904T200050236Z257429_400_225.webp)
Ballon d'Or 2024: Jude Bellingham to Erling Halaand, check stars that made it into Ballon d'Or 2024 shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T195505773Z117051/20240904T195505773Z117051_400_225.webp)
First time in 21 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed from Ballon d'Or shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T155722168Z586223/20240904T155722168Z586223_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League 2024: Full Match Schedule and all you need to know, Where you can watch it in India?
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T145529824Z170088/20240904T145529824Z170088_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League - Denmark vs Switzerland: Preview, Prediction, and Betting Tips
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T051154046Z746808/20240904T051154046Z746808_400_225.webp)
'Boring for spectators. Good thing is this is the worst we can play': Coach Marquez after India's disappointing draw against 179th ranked Mauritius
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240903T043802555Z098213/20240903T043802555Z098213_400_225.webp)
Uruguay legend Luis Suarez announces retirement ahead of FIFA WC qualifiers clash in emotional press conference