Messi was arrested at Beijing airport
Argentina striker Lionel Messi tried to enter China with a Spanish passport, as he thought that it was possible to enter the country on a visa-free regime, Bild reports, citing Chinese media.
Social media users have spread a video showing several police officers stopping the captain of the Argentina national team Lionel Messi at the Beijing airport, who flew with the national team to a friendly match against Australia.
At the control, the footballer presented his Spanish passport without a visa to enter China. It is noted that such an error should have been noticed during landing at the departure airport. There, when passengers check in, it is usually checked whether they have all the necessary documents for entry. However, since Messi and his partners were flying on a private plane, this check was most likely not carried out.
To resolve the conflict, Messi had to wait about two hours until he was given a temporary permit to stay in China.
The meeting of the national teams of Argentina and Australia will be held on Thursday, June 15.
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