Lionel Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is amongst the football legends heading to Hong Kong
Inter Miami CF will play a special exhibition match in Hong Kong, marking the team's first-ever international tour.
David Beckham, Inter Miami CF co-owner, officially announced today that the match is scheduled to take place at Hong Kong Stadium on February 4, 2024.
The match, against a specially invited Hong Kong Team, is part of a unique partnership between Inter Miami CF and Tatler Asia, and forms a key part of the first edition of Tatler XFEST.
"Hong Kong has such a great sports scene. In partnership with Tatler, we are pleased to be able to bring the team to this fantastic city as part of Inter Miami's debut game in Asia," said David Beckham.
Inter Miami CF, co-owned by Jorge Mas, Jose Mas and Beckham, has captured global sporting headlines and attracted international attention since its founding including its biggest news in July this year when it signedlegendary footballer Lionel Messi as the club's captain, who led the team to the Leagues Cup title and the U.S. Open Cup final.
"We're very excited to be visiting Hong Kong and indeed Asia for the very first time," explained Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner. "From the very beginning we set out to be a global club at Inter Miami. This is a wonderful opportunity to do just that; we hope to enthuse and inspire new Inter Miami fans in Hong Kong and across Asia who share our passion for fútbol."
Michel Lamunière, CEO & Chairman of Tatler Asia, stated, "We are delighted to collaborate with David and Inter Miami to bring this remarkable match to Hong Kong. Tatler XFEST is more than just a football game; it's a celebration of the best of Hong Kong through a combination of city-wide sporting, lifestyle and luxury experiences. We envision Tatler XFEST as an annual extravaganza, set to become the city's most anticipated event of the year.
"Hosting such a prestigious event demonstrates Hong Kong's resurgence as Asia's World City, the super-connector and a hub for international events. In recent years, Tatler has expanded its event operations in response to growing interest in sports, lifestyle and luxury experiences. Our increasing involvement in high-profile international sporting events symbolises Tatler's ongoing evolution as a luxury platform creating exclusive content and unforgettable experiences.
We aim to deliver these experiences while bolstering Hong Kong's reputation as a city known for its excellence in hosting such events."
The highly anticipated game will host an Inter Miami CF squad that is set to feature an all-star line-up of unparalleled greats of the game, including footballing genius and Argentina's World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi, along with teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
"We have continued to prioritise expanding our Club's global reach, and we're thrilled to be able to bring our team to new markets like this one in 2024. I spent several years living and working in Hong Kong, so I am familiar with the incredible culture and the deep passion for fútbol.
We are looking forward to bringing Inter Miami to play in front of these special fans who otherwise may not have been able to see us in person," said Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) Chairman Eric Fok expressed his warm welcome to Inter Miami CF playing against a Hong Kong team.
"HKFA is committed to raising the standard of football and bringing new experiences to the local fans. We will continue to bring more world class football teams to play in the city and further establish Hong Kong as a regional hub for mega sporting events," he said.
Tickets for the unmissable football event in Hong Kong in 2024 go on sale on December 15 and can only be purchased through the official ticket partner, Klook. Ticket pricing will range from HK$880 up to HK$4880 depending on a wide range of seating options. The Inter Miami CF team will also participate in an open training session on February 3rd at Hong Kong Stadium with entry tickets ranging from HK$580 up to HK$780.