An Argentina friendly in China next month was canceled on Friday in more fallout from Lionel Messi failing to play in an Inter Miami exhibition match in Hong Kong.
World Cup champion Argentina, captained by Messi, last month scheduled a tour of China during the international break March 18-26.
Games were lined up against Nigeria in Hangzhou and Ivory Coast in Beijing. Both opponents are coincidentally meeting in the Africa Cup of Nations final this weekend. — Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) But Messi, on tour with Inter Miami, outraged fans in Hong Kong when he didn't play against a local selection Sunday and remained on the bench.
Messi said he had a groin injury. But his excuse didn't wash in Hong Kong after he played for 30 minutes Wednesday in Tokyo against Vissel Kobe.