Messi halted at Beijing airport over passport problem

 A mix up with his passport left Lionel Messi waiting for a visa at Beijing airport over the weekend ahead of two friendlies in Asia for Argentina in the next week

Lionel Messi was stopped at Beijing airport after using his Spanish passport instead of his Argentinian one.

The 35-year-old landed in the Chinese capital on Saturday (June 10) to join up with his international team-mates ahead of their friendlies against Australia and Indonesia. He travelled by private jet and was accompanied by close friend Angel Di Maria.

But while the flight went to plan, Messi wasn't initially let into the country by border force. He could be seen clutching at his passport while officials surrounded him.

Local reports claim he believed he was fine to enter the country on his Spanish passport because their citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free. He was quoted as saying: "Isn't Taiwan part of China?"

Airport personnel were confused that he'd not brought his native documents, but after a wait of roughly 30 minutes, Messi was granted an entry visa and continued on his way to the training camp.

Reigning world champions Argentina will take on Australia at Beijing's Workers' Stadium on Thursday (June 15) before travelling on to Jakarta to face Indonesia at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno next Monday (June 19).

Messi, who only finished the season with PSG nine days ago, will then enjoy a summer break before joining up with new club Inter Miami. He was linked with former club Barcelona and a move to Saudi Arabia, but will be MLS bound instead.

"It's true that I had offers from another European team but I didn't even think about it because in Europe, my idea was only to go to Barcelona," he said.

"After winning the World Cup and not being able to go to Barca, it's time to go to MLS to live football in a different way and enjoy my day to day life more.

"Obviously with the same responsibility and desire to win, and to do things well, but with more calm."