Fans Angry as Messi Does Not Play in Hong Kong MatchCEFR A2
5 Feb 2024
Adapted from Oiwan Lam, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Derek Tang, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
On February 4, 2024, many football fans attended a match in Hong Kong hoping to see Lionel Messi play. However, Messi did not participate, which made fans very upset. They chanted for a refund as they watched the game from the stands.
The Hong Kong government had sponsored this match, expecting Messi to play. They paid money to the organizers to help boost Hong Kong's image. Fans bought expensive tickets, and when they saw Messi sitting on the bench, they felt cheated.
Difficult words
- participate — to take part in an event or activity.
- refund — money returned to someone for a mistake.
- sponsored — to support an event with money or resources.
- boost — to improve or increase something.
- cheated — to feel tricked or unfairly treated.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fans felt cheated?
- How important is it for players to participate in matches?
- What could be done to improve fans' experiences at events?
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