Inter Miami's eagerly anticipated plan to play two games in China this month, featuring football legend Lionel Messi, has been called off, the club announced on Wednesday. Inter Miami revealed that the cancellation was at the behest of the tour's promoter, citing "unforeseen circumstances in China" in an online statement.

The tour organizer also confirmed the cancellation in a post on a Chinese social media platform, expressing deep regret for the decision but refraining from providing specific reasons for the change in plans.

Originally, the team was set to play two friendly matches against Chinese Super League teams, with the first match against Qingdao Hainiu scheduled for Sunday and the second against Chengdu Rongcheng three days later.

Lionel Messi, the recent World Cup champion, enjoys immense popularity in China, where the men's national team has faced challenges in recent years and the domestic league has grappled with corruption-related issues. Messi's visit to China has traditionally been met with great enthusiasm from football fans.

In June, Messi led the Argentinian national team to a 2-0 victory over Australia in an international friendly match, delighting thousands of fans in Argentina, known for their blue-and-white striped jerseys.

The 36-year-old football icon was recently awarded his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy in Paris, further solidifying his record as the player with the most Ballon d'Or awards in history, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's five.

Messi's arrival at Inter Miami in July substantially impacted the club's global social media following. The team achieved a significant milestone on the field by winning its first trophy with a Leagues Cup triumph in August.

The cancellation of the China tour is undoubtedly disappointing for both Inter Miami and Messi's enthusiastic Chinese fans. However, it underscores the unpredictability and challenges faced in organising international sports events, and fans will eagerly await the next opportunity to see Messi in action.