Crowds wowed by Inter Miami CF

Major League Soccer Team Inter Miami CF commenced their second day in Hong Kong where they took to the field for an open training session at Hong Kong Stadium in the evening.

Before the training began, numerous fans eagerly waited outside, donning their favourite player's jerseys and purchasing souvenirs.

Even though it was not an official match, the fervour of the fans remained unbridled.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing welcomed the team on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government before the training session started.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has allocated 15,000 complimentary tickets to be distributed among members of different sports and youth organisations, allowing them to witness the exciting event.

Eleven-year-old student Chan Lok-fung from the EACT Jockey Club Active School Programme was one of the lucky fans who got to meet his football idol, Lionel Messi.

"The feeling in the stadium is very good. I am so happy seeing (Lionel) Messi. I think I have learnt a lot of things from Messi because in his passing in the middle of the stadium, I saw Messi passing very fast and smooth, so the defenders could not tackle quickly."

Chan Chung-yan, a participant of the Social Welfare Department's Strive & Rise Programme, also got a free ticket. She expressed gratitude for the complimentary pass and emphasised that she was inspired by how Messi, despite being diagnosed with a growth disorder, has overcome obstacles to make glorious achievements.

Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association Chairman Amy Chan described the training session as positive encouragement for youth athletes.

"This training session is very, very important. The youths will feel more happy because they can feel that their country is doing a lot of things for them, and they will feel a sense of belonging to Hong Kong and also to our country. They can aspire, in the future, to become good athletes too."

She added that she hopes the Government will organise even more similar events for youngsters.