Anger in China following Lionel Messi's absence from a soccer game in Hong Kong

Lionel Messi, arguably the world's most famous soccer player, faced unusual hostility in Hong Kong as frustrated fans booed him for sitting out an exhibition match this week. Messi later explained that he had a hamstring strain, which kept him on the bench throughout the game on Sunday. However, many fans remain skeptical of his excuse because Messi played about 30 minutes in Japan just three days after his absence in Hong Kong.