Beijing, China – Renowned footballer Lionel Messi encountered a temporary setback at the border control of Beijing Airport when he attempted to use his Spanish passport instead of his Argentine one. The former Barcelona star arrived in China via a private jet over the weekend, accompanied by his personal assistant and a group of friends, including fellow Argentine footballer Angel di Maria. Messi’s purpose for the trip was to join his national team ahead of a friendly match against Australia on Thursday.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment when the 35-year-old athlete was surrounded by several police officers at the airport. Messi appeared to hold onto his passport while engaging in a conversation with the authorities about the issue.
According to local media reports in China, the complications arose because Messi presented the wrong passport. It is believed that Messi mistakenly believed he could travel to Taiwan using his Spanish passport, assuming it would also be valid for his visit to China.
In the video, Messi was reportedly heard asking, “Is Taiwan not China?” indicating his misunderstanding of the travel regulations.
As a result, Messi faced a delay of approximately two hours before eventually being granted a visa and allowed to proceed with his travel plans. The incident, although causing a temporary disruption, did not prevent Messi from joining his national team for their upcoming match.
The football star’s miscommunication regarding the appropriate passport serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to correct travel documentation procedures, even for high-profile individuals. Despite the momentary inconvenience, Messi was able to resolve the situation and continue his journey to join his teammates in China.
