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Lionel Messi attracts a sold-out crowd to witness Inter Miami's training in Hong Kong.
Lionel Messi's arrival in Hong Kong has sparked an unprecedented frenzy, turning the city into a football carnival as fans clamoured to secure a spot at Inter Miami's training session.
Despite the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium reaching full capacity, the allure of catching a glimpse of the Argentine wizard in action proved irresistible. Messi, nursing a hamstring injury, is still the centre of attention, demonstrating the magnetic pull of his superstar status in East Asia.
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Famous Lionel Messi Barcelona contract napkin to sell for ₦300 million
The Napkin on which Lionel Messi signed his first-ever contract with Barcelona is set to go on auction
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Why Ronaldo missed ‘final showdown’ against Messi in Al Nassr vs Inter Miami clash
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A City in Full Celebration Mode
Hong Kong has transformed itself into a vibrant homage to Messi, with the cityscape adorned with giant billboards and flashing LED screens heralding his presence.
The anticipation for the friendly match reached a fever pitch, with tickets vanishing within an hour of release back in December. Fans, hungry for a moment with Messi, flooded the streets and congregated around the Inter Miami hotel, prompting road closures to manage the overwhelming turnout.
The training session held critical significance, serving as a litmus test for Messi's readiness, according to coach Tata Martino. "We will determine how long he can play depending on what happens in training tomorrow. But he will most certainly be on the pitch," Martino assured.
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