Lionel Messi was received with great enthusiasm by Chinese fans upon his arrival in Beijing for a friendly match with the Argentine national team. Hundreds of fans gathered at the airport and in front of the hotel where he was staying, wearing the Albiceleste jersey and chanting his name. Messi’s arrival in China generated great expectation on social networks, where fans expressed their excitement to see the idol in action.
The trip marks Messi’s seventh visit to China, although the last was in 2017. The friendly against Australia, which will take place at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium, will be an important milestone for international soccer in the country, as it represents the return of international matches after three years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The match against Australia will also have special significance, as it is a rematch of the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where Argentina eliminated the Oceania team 2-1. In addition, it will be Messi’s first game after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain and his announcement that he will continue his career at Inter Miami.
The Argentina national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will also play another friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta as part of this Asian tour. Messi’s return to the field and his participation in these friendly matches generate great expectation and excitement among both Chinese fans and the entire soccer world.