Messi's message 'won't easily' repair his image in China

Soccer star Lionel Messi's belated explanation for his no-show at a recent exhibition game in Hong Kong seems to not be enough to redeem his broken image in China, as experts call for more transparent communication regarding such incidents.

In a two-minute video posted on Messi's personal account on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner says the reason he did not play was due to injury instead of politics. And Messi pointed out that he had a "very close and special" relationship with China.

"I've heard people say that I didn't want to play for political reasons and many other reasons that are totally untrue. Had that been the case, I wouldn't have even traveled to Japan or visited China as many times as I have," said Messi, who now plays as a striker for Inter Miami, in Spanish.