Argentina captain and football legend Lionel Messi was detained by Chinese authorities at Beijing airport, while on duty for the Argentina football team. Argentina is set to face Australia in an international friendly at the Worker’s Stadium in Beijing on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Over the weekend, the 35-year-old took a private jet to Beijing to join his teammates. A video shows him standing in the airport, holding his passport, surrounded by a group of police officers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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According to media reports, the 35-year-old was detained by Chinese Border Police for over two hours on his arrival in Beijing due to passport issues, as Messi had carried his Spanish passport instead of his Argentine passport, which did not have a valid Chinese visa.<\/p>\n

Although Messi holds both Spanish and Argentine nationalities, he had reportedly forgotten to bring his Argentine passport to Beijing. This caused a problem with Chinese authorities because the team’s visa was only valid for Argentine passports.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Eventually, the matter was resolved after customs issued him an expedited visa at the airport, and Messi was able to continue his journey and go to the team hotel.<\/p>\n

After the fixture against Australia, Argentina is scheduled to play against Indonesia in Jakarta on Monday, although media reports suggest that the Argentine superstar could be rested for the match.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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