Hong Kong international Shinichi Chan has stated he could snub the chance to play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next year.
The 21-year-old attacker fullback is expected to be named in a Hong Kong XI that will face the Herons in February 2024 as part of Inter Miami’s pre-season plans.
However, speaking to Goal, Chan has revealed that Hong Kong’s participation in the Asia Cup will be more important for him than facing Inter Miami and his idol, Messi.
Chan said about the friendly against the MLS franchise: “Sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi would be a dream, I do not think there would be words to describe the feeling.
He is one of the best players ever, and I am a Barcelona fan, so it would be amazing, and something I would tell my grandkids about. But I would choose still being in the Asian Cup over playing against Inter Miami.
“Our aim is to compete with the best nations in Asia, and stay in the tournament as long as possible. For Hong Kong, the Asian Cup is our World Cup. Qualifying from our group, making history, it would be huge. I would be very proud, and watching Inter Miami on television would be no problem.”
Inter Miami will want to face the best Hong Kong has to offer
Whilst Hong Kong are hardly a force in Asian soccer, Inter Miami will want to play the best players possible when the Herons travel to the Far East next year.
And with Chan now ruling himself out of contention of Hong Kong are still involved in the 2024 Asia Cup, Inter Miami could be facing a weakened side in February.
Whilst there are other high-profile fixtures such as a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Messi and company will want to face the best of the best this off-season, including what Hong Kong have to offer.