Are you one of the millions of soccer fans constantly searching for updates on Lionel Messi’s activities all around the world? I hear you, as an avid follower myself, and after extensive research, I’ve gathered some fascinating information about Messi’s visit to China.
In this blog post, we will explore how ‘Messi mania’ took over China with insider stories ranging from pitch-invading passionate fan incidents to unexpected airport mix-ups. Let’s kick off a journey into a tale that brings together football megastars and the largest audience in the world!
Messi Mania in China
Once Messi set foot in China, fans went wild, trying to catch a glimpse of the Argentinian superstar. One Chinese fan even broke protocol and ran onto the pitch mid-game for a hug with Messi.
This act was surprisingly embraced by other spectators as well as the Beijing police. The fervor continued at China’s Workers’ Stadium where the crowd couldn’t get enough of Messi’s mania – such is the effect this football icon has on his supporters across borders!

Fans clamor for a glimpse of the Argentina star
Fans in China have Messi mania! The moment Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates reached their Beijing hotel, fans swarmed. They wanted to see the Argentina football player up close.
Lots of people came out just for a chance to see him. Even with Beijing police telling them not to come, they still showed up by the thousands. This shows how much people love Messi here in China.
China embraces the pitch-invading fan
China had a big soccer match. It was between Argentina and Australia in Beijing. A young fan ran onto the field to hug Messi during that game! This made people happy because the Chinese fans love Messi a lot.
But, there are rules to keep everyone safe at games. So, after hugging Messi and shaking hands with another player named Acuña, police took the pitch invader away. They won’t let him go to any stadiums for one year now.

This did not make other people less excited to see Messi though. His visit has caused lots of joy among his fans in China where they call it “Messi mania”. Soccer fans in China have shown warmth and welcome towards Messi by cheering really loud for him during matches!
Messi mania grips the crowd at China’s Workers’ Stadium
Messi mania is real at China’s Workers’ Stadium. Soccer fans cheer as Messi steps onto the pitch. Many wear Messi jerseys and block roads for a glimpse of him. Camps emerge near his hotel just to see this soccer star.
Fan Di even runs out during a game for a hug! His bold move sends 50,000 others into wild cheers in this rebuilt sports arena.

Messi’s Welcome in China
Messi’s trip to Beijing was thrilling. Right off the plane, fans gave him a rockstar welcome. He came for a friendly match with Australia. It took place at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, now looking fresh after some work.
But not all was fun and games – bad guys tried to get quick cash from his visit too.
Banners welcoming Messi in Spanish and English
I came to see the banners welcoming Messi at the hotel. In Spanish and English, you could feel the warm welcome. His fans in China were out in full force! The banners told a story of admiration for Messi.
They are a big sign that he is loved all over the world, even here in China. The buzz was high as fans got ready to see him play his first game on Chinese soil!

Lionel Messi’s Unforgettable Appearance on Taobao Live-Stream
In a modern era where digital platforms and e-commerce are profoundly influencing consumer patterns, even the world of sports isn’t immune to its allure. The most recent and remarkable testament to this was Lionel Messi’s appearance on the giant e-commerce platform’s live-streaming feature, Taobao Live.
Bridging Continents and Cultures
According to South China Morning Post, Lionel Messi’s presence on Alibaba’s Taobao Live had a significant impact, attracting over 2.5 million viewers in just 20 minutes, that watched livestream sessions, excited to see the football star. This boosted the platform’s popularity and increased audience engagement.
The occasion marked a fascinating blend of sport, entertainment, and e-commerce. For many, it was an unprecedented experience to see the Argentinian maestro, more commonly associated with the footballing greens of Europe, on a platform like Taobao, which dominates the e-commerce landscape in China. His appearance was more than a mere marketing gimmick; it bridged continents and cultures in real-time, offering fans and consumers an unparalleled experience.

The Awe of the Audience
As soon as Messi went live, viewership numbers skyrocketed. It was evident that his global appeal was not just limited to the football field. Fans, as well as those unfamiliar with football, tuned in, highlighting the athlete’s influence beyond his sport. The chat section of the live stream buzzed with excitement, filled with a medley of comments in various languages, heart emojis, and of course, numerous footballs.
Messi Meets Li Xuanzhuo: An Unexpected yet Iconic Collaboration
During Lionel Messi’s Taobao Live, one of the most unexpected highlights was his collaboration with China’s famed liquor influencer, Li Xuanzhuo. While football and traditional Chinese liquors might seem worlds apart, their engaging interaction added depth to the event.
Messi, with genuine interest, delved into the rich history of Chinese beverages as Xuanzhuo introduced him to premium liquors. Messi’s candid reactions to tasting them and his appreciation for Chinese traditions, guided by Xuanzhuo, captivated viewers.

This fusion showcased the beauty of cultural exchange, with both drawing parallels between the world of football and the art of liquor tasting. This surprise pairing underscored the power of digital platforms like Taobao Live, emphasizing that genuine appreciation and understanding can bridge any divide, even between football and traditional liquor.
The Charm of Messi
Despite being on a platform vastly different from a stadium filled with roaring fans, Messi’s natural charm was apparent. He looked at ease, chatting about his career, sharing anecdotes, and even providing some insights into his personal life. He gave fans a peek into his world, sharing stories about his family, his beloved city of Barcelona, and even his favorite foods.
What stood out was Messi’s genuine excitement about interacting with fans in such an intimate setting. It provided a stark contrast to the usual press conferences and interviews we’re accustomed to seeing him in.
Beyond Football
The live stream wasn’t just about football, though. Messi and the host delved into a variety of topics including his fashion preferences, hobbies, and even his views on some of the products available on Taobao. This holistic engagement provided a new perspective on Messi, painting a picture of a well-rounded individual, not just a football superstar.

The event’s ripple effect was evident as there was a notable uptick in searches for merchandise associated with Messi, reflecting its profound influence on fan engagement. Utilizing celebrity partnerships in this manner not only bolsters a brand’s visibility but also fosters a deep bond with its audience.
Messi’s stint with Taobao Live aptly demonstrates the vast potential of merging influencer marketing with live-streaming, marking a new era in e-commerce tactics.
Messi’s Visit in China Was a Definite Success!
Messi’s visit to China was a thrill. From fans racing to hug him, to his petty passport mix-up, every bit had us at the edge of our seats.
Messi’s participation in a Taobao Live session significantly benefited both the platform and his fanbase. Garnering over 2.5 million viewers, this event demonstrated live-streaming’s capacity to captivate audiences and elevate brand recognition.
The partnership between Messi and Taobao Live accentuates the rising role of influencers in boosting sales and brand visibility. In essence, this collaboration underscores the universal allure of football icons like Messi and their capability to resonate with global audiences via modern platforms such as Taobao Live.
The Messi craze won’t be forgotten any time soon in the heart of China and it will only grow stronger over time.
