On February 19, Messi released a video to respond again to the controversy over his absence of Hong Kong match. 

The full text is as follows:

" I have read and heard a lot of things being said about my absence from the match in Hong Kong, China. I wanted to make this video to give my side of the story and to clear up any misinformation."

Photo/Weibo

"I've read and heard many things that have been said after the game in Hong Kong. I wanted to record this video and give you the true version so nobody has to continue reading false stories.

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 travelled to Japan or visited China, as I have many times. Since the start of my career I've had a very close and special relationship with China.

As I said in the press conference, I had an inflamed adductor and I couldn't play in the first game in Saudi Arabia, which is when I felt it.

In the second game I tried to play for a bit, but it got worse. Then on the day before the game [in Hong Kong] I tried to train and made an effort for all those who had come to watch training.

"It felt a bit better a few days later and that's why I played for a bit in Japan to prepare fitness-wise for everything to come because I needed to play and get back up to speed. 

The video quickly went viral on Weibo, with the related topic topping the Weibo trending list. Overall, the response on Weibo was positive, with many fans expressing their support for Messi.

Cover image: VCG