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At the Beijing Airport's border checkpoint, Lionel Messi was denied entry after attempting to enter using his Spanish passport rather than his Argentine one.
The 35-year-old traveled to China last weekend in a private plane along with his "bodyguard" and other acquaintances, including Angel di Maria of Argentina.
Prior to a friendly match against Australia on Thursday, Messi was en route to join his international colleagues.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was encircled by police in a video that went viral on social media. Messi looked to be holding tight to his passport as he discussed the situation with them.
According to the local press in China, Messi used the incorrect passport, which led to the issues.
It has been reported that Messi thought his Spanish passport would allow him to visit Taiwan and China.
He reportedly questioned, "Is Taiwan not China?"
Messi was held up for two more hours before being given a visa and allowed to pass.
