My Take | Who needs Messi when you can have the Women’s World Cup

Hong Kong’s push to host “mega events”, as the city seeks to improve its post-pandemic economy, has met with mixed results.

There are high expectations this month with a variety of cultural attractions forming part of the “Art March” campaign. The star-studded LIV Golf tournament, meanwhile, estimated to have brought gains of up to HK$300 million, was hailed a success.

This has provided the city with welcome relief after the disappointment of seeing Singapore host sought-after concerts by singing sensation Taylor Swift and the non-appearance of football great Lionel Messi in an eagerly-anticipated exhibition game.

Other sporting events have suffered from poor organisation or low attendances. The city, having placed so much importance on high-profile attractions must ensure they merit their “mega” status.

One eye-catching idea floated at China’s recent “two sessions” political meetings is for Hong Kong, Macau and other cities in the Greater Bay Area to host football’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2031. This is worth pursuing.

It might be a pipe dream. Discussions are in the early stages. But hosting the finals, which have become one of the world’s biggest sporting events, would be a huge coup.