Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in a friendly against Australia next month in Beijing. It will be Messi's first visit to China in six years, amid expectations of a huge influx of ticket purchases.
The match has become the talk of online media in China, with many fans eager to attend. Messi has received a warm welcome in his previous visits to China, which has a huge fan base despite the faltering men's national team. Australia are preparing to return to Qatar for the Asian Cup in early 2024 and are expected to play another friendly against England in October.