Lionel Messi detained at Beijing airport.
Photo: Video screengrab
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A video of Argentine football star Lionel Messi is going viral on social media. According to media reports, Lionel Messi was detained by the police at Beijing airport in China. In the video, Messi is seen surrounded by Chinese policemen. Actually, Argentina is to face Australia in an international friendly match at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing on Thursday (June 15). Reigning FIFA World Cup champions Argentina will look to win over the fans in China with their performance. This video which surfaced before this match has surprised everyone. This incident is of June 10, whose video is going viral on social media.
However, it seems that Argentina’s preparations for the friendly have faced a slight hitch with captain Lionel Messi being detained by the Chinese police. Lionel Messi, 35, was detained by police at the airport upon his arrival in Beijing.
What was the reason?
It is being told that this happened because of Messi’s passport. According to media reports, Lionel Messi has both Argentine and Spanish passports. But Messi was traveling on a Spanish passport instead of an Argentine one and did not have a Chinese visa on his Spanish passport. Because of this, the Chinese border police stopped Messi at the airport.
There’s was passport issue with Messi’s arrival to China causing delay but look at De Paul continuing to body guard Messi, we all need a friend like that, don’t we?
Video🎥 Via @nextonemaybe
— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) June 10, 2023
Chinese fans stood waiting for Messi
According to media reports, Messi had to stay at the airport for some time due to bringing Spain’s passport instead of Argentina’s passport. After about half an hour the problem was resolved. Messi was able to exit the airport after he was given an entry visa. Please tell that there is no visa-free entry in China on the passport of Spain. However, he can enter Taiwan without a visa. Lionel Messi reportedly thought that Taiwan was a part of China, hence did not apply for a visa.
According to media reports, initially there was a language issue between Lionel Messi and the guards present at the Chinese airport, which was resolved soon. Lionel Messi has a huge fan following in China. While leaving the airport, Messi was warmly welcomed by his fans. Hundreds of fans were seen waiting for him at the airport and the hotel where Lionel Messi was staying. This is Messi’s seventh visit to China.
