Why David Beckham was booed by 40,000-strong crowd as Inter Miami played a Hong Kong XI

David Beckham was BOOED by furious fans as Inter Miami played a Hong Kong XI in a pre-season clash.

Inter Miami continue their preparations ahead of the new season, having toured Saudi Arabia - playing Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

The MLS side are now in Asia as they played a Hong Kong XI, with a friendly match against Japanese side Vissel Kobe scheduled on February 7.

Robert Taylor, Lawson Connery Sunderland, Leonardo Campana and Ryan Sailor all got on the score-sheet as they beat a Hong Kong XI 4-1 on Sunday.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez watched on from the bench as they were unused substitutes.

And the decision to leave Messi on the bench for the entire game angered fans in attendance at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The 40,000-strong crowd booed Beckham when he thanked the supporters following the result.

The Manchester United legend was jeered as he delivered his post-match speech, with fans even demanding a refund.

However, it was reportedly made clear to fans when they purchased tickets for the match that there would be no refunds issued if Messi didn't play.

The World Cup winner, though, had been heavily promoted when tickets went on sale.

Addressing the fans in attendance, the former England captain said: "On behalf of everybody involved in Inter Miami, our club, I would like to say thank you very much for the incredible welcome.

"We have always loved... I have always loved Hong Kong. Thank you very much for the incredible welcome. And we look forward to coming back one day to entertain you even more.

"Thank you to the media. Thank you for everyone in the stadium that has turned up tonight and been here for us.

"It means a lot because to see these great players play inspires a lot of young children in this country and around the world.

"I hope one day we will be back to entertain you. Hong Kong, thank you very much. I will see you soon. Thank you."

Featured Image Credit: Getty/Hong Kong Free Press

Topics: David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Football, Inter Miami

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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