Football Star Lionel Messi Went To China, Allegedly Got Detained And Then Caused A Huge Fan Craze
Messi had allegedly asked “Is Taiwan not China?” as he believed his passport could be used in both countries.
Argentine football star, Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to win the World Cup title last year, has caused a massive fan craze after arriving in China.
The world champion arrived in China on Saturday June 10 to participate in an international friendly match between Argentina and Australia
According to initial reports, he was detained at Beijing Airport because he only brought his Spanish passport over passport issues.
The 35-year-old Argentine football player holds both Argentine and Spanish passports but only brought his Spanish passport, which doesn’t have visa-free entry to China.
Spanish citizens are allowed to enter Taiwan without a visa and Messi believed the exemption extended to China as well.
Messi allegedly asked, “Is Taiwan not China?” as he had believed his passport could be used in both countries.
However, local media have denied those reports saying it was another team member, Nicolás Otamendi, who had entry issues, which were reportedly resolved in less than 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Chinese fans were waiting outside Messi’s hotel in Beijing, chanting his name.
Women on Chinese social media then compared men swarming Messi to women waiting for their idols, which is often criticized as”childish” behavior, and pointed out the double standard.
Police are now warning fans about potential scams claiming to offer a meeting with the famous football player.
During the match on Thursday June 15, a fan invaded the pitch to hug Messi and succeeded.
He was carried off by security guards.
35-year-old Messi won the World Cup for Argentina against France in 2022.
