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Hong Kong organizers offer fans 50% refund for Messi no-show

Tatler Asia says it will lose HK$43m on exhibition soccer match

Lionel Messi dribbles the ball during the second half of a preseason friendly at the Japan National Stadium on Feb. 7.   © Reuters

HONG KONG -- The organizer of an exhibition soccer match in Hong Kong, in which Lionel Messi sat on the bench instead of dazzling fans on the field, said Friday that it would offer a 50% refund on tickets after a government outcry.

Tatler Asia said it would give details on the refund in mid-March, stressing it would only apply to tickets bought through official channels. The luxury media group also apologized to fans for a "great heartbreak."

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