The complexity of passport and visa requirements for international trips can perplex even well-known figures such as the Argentine football star Lionel Messi.
When Lionel Messi attempted to use his Spanish passport instead of his Argentine one, he was halted by border control at Beijing Airport.
Messi was travelling to join his international teammates ahead of a friendly against Australia on Thursday.
According to a video that has been widely shared on social media, a group of police officers surrounded Lionel Messi. It seemed like Messi was clutching his passport while conversing with the officers regarding the matter.
Chinese local media sources stated that the issues arose due to Lionel Messi submitting the wrong passport. According to reports, Messi assumed that his Spanish passport would allow him to travel to Taiwan, and that it was also valid in China. He reportedly asked a question, saying “Isn’t Taiwan a part of China?”.
Lionel Messi to join MLS club Inter Miami
Lionel Messi will join Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami, the US team.
The 35-year-old 2022 FIFA World Cup winner joined Paris Saint-German in 2021 and will leave the French powerhouse when his contract expires on June 30.
