Soccer-Chinese superfan rejoices as Messi visits Beijing

Zhang Jiao, a fan of Lionel Messi, takes pictures as fans of the Argentina national soccer team gather for group photos around a poster of Messi holding the World Cup trophy in Qatar, on a field in Beijing, China June 14, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo

BEIJING (Reuters) - For thirtysomething Zhang Jiao, after realising her dream of witnessing Argentina soccer great Lionel Messi lift the World Cup every match he plays from now on is "precious".

Zhang travelled from Shanghai to Beijing this week to join scores of other giddy Messi fans as the Argentina captain came to town to play a friendly against Australia.