It will mark the seventh time the 35-year-old has visited China and comes at a time when his future at Paris Saint-Germain is the subject of intense speculation. A source close to the player has told Reuters he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.
Messi has received a fervent welcome on each of his previous visits to China, which has a huge soccer fan base despite the struggles of the men’s national team.
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Since his first China trip in 2005, Messi has played for Argentina or his former club Barcelona in friendlies. The Spanish side beat Beijing Guoan 3-0 in a friendly in 2010.
News of the match against the Socceroos quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with many fans voicing eagerness to watch the game.
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“If I can get a ticket, I wouldn’t mind not having a girlfriend for a whole year,” one fan quipped on social media.
