Drink with Lionel Messi for RM193,946: Chinese police warn over scams

Chinese fans of Argentina’s Lionel Messi wait for his arrival at a hotel ahead of International Friendly match between Argentina's national football team and Australia national football team in Beijing, China on June 10, 2023. — Reuters

BEIJING: Dinner, drinks and a selfie with Lionel Messi sounds like every football fan’s dream, but Chinese police have warned it’s just one of numerous scams surrounding his visit to Beijing.

The Argentine legend’s presence in China for a friendly against Australia in the capital on Thursday has drawn scammers and ticket-scalpers desperate to capitalise on Messi mania.