Messi Mania Grips China as Scammers Prey on Fans Ahead of Friendly Match Against Australia

Scammers and ticket scalpers are taking advantage of Lionel Messi's presence in China for a friendly match against Australia by offering fraudulent deals, such as an evening with Messi for $42,000 and VIP packages with autographed jerseys and photos for over $8,000.

11 June 2023 · 16:53 UTC

Chinese police are warning fans against falling for these scams.

Tickets for the match, which will be held at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, sold out quickly and are being resold on online shopping platforms for high prices despite anti-scalping measures.

Hundreds of fans have gathered outside the Argentina team hotel in hopes of catching a glimpse of Messi.

The 35-year-old Messi will also play in another friendly match against Indonesia in Jakarta on June 19.