David Beckham booed by 40,000 angry fans demanding refunds after Messi failed to show up

DAVID BECKHAM was booed by 40,000 fuming fans demanding a refund.

The former England captain, 48, is in Hong Kong as Inter Miami prepares for the Far East.

Lionel Messi was on the bench during Inter Miami's friendly win in Hong KongCredit: Reuters

David Beckham's speech was drowned out by cheersCredit: AFP

Fans had paid hundreds of pounds for ticketsCredit: AP

The 40,000 tickets were sold within an hour of going on sale.

However, locals who paid a whopping £360 for tickets expressed their anger as Lionel Messi was left an unused substitute.

The Argentinian icon, 36, is struggling with a hamstring injury which meant he played just seven minutes in Cristiano Ronaldo's 6-0 defeat to Al-Nassr on Thursday.

And the World Cup winner – who did take part in a very light open training – was not in danger against an XI from Hong Kong.

But that didn't go down well with the passionate supporters who were desperate for a glimpse of the footballing GOAT.

There were chants of “we want Messi” during the second half as Inter Miami won 4-1.

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both came off the bench, but Messi and Luis Suarez all watched from the sidelines.

The fans – who were told there would be no refunds if Messi did not perform – drowned out Beckham's speech to the crowd with their angry response.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Beckham said on the pitch afterwards: “On behalf of everyone involved with Inter Miami, our club, I would like to thank you for the incredible welcome.

“I have always loved Hong Kong and we look forward to coming back one day to entertain you even more.

“Thank you to the media. Thank you to everyone in the stadium who showed up tonight and was here for us.

“It means a lot because seeing these great players inspires many 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'll see you soon. Thank you.”

'MESSI IS NOT A SUPERMODEL'

But there were still many who cooked afterwards – especially after spending hundreds of pounds on tickets and some even traveling from abroad.

As reported by the Daily emailsaid one: “I have waited almost ten years to see him. This is a rare opportunity to see him as he may retire soon. We are very disappointed.”

Another added: “I flew from Melbourne for this. We waited a long time but he never showed up. I'm really disappointed.”

And a third angry: “I came for training and only saw him doing stretching exercises. Messi is not a supermodel. People don't pay just to see him sit.”

Inter Miami concludes its tour of Asia against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, before a friendly final against Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.

The Florida side start their 2024 MLS campaign at home against Real Salt Lake, before Beckham takes his club to his former team LA Galaxy.