The much-hyped Lionel Messi appearance in Hong Kong intended to lift the city’s spirits ended with boos and jeers on Sunday as the Argentinian World Cup winner sat out his team’s friendly with a local team.

Stadium announcers were drowned out after the final whistle of the match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong XI by the noise of a disappointed crowd. Spectators booed the club’s players as they collected their trophy and jeered David Beckham, co-owner of the US team, when he tried to give a speech.