Lionel Messi Photo: VCG

The message said, "Pay 300,000 yuan ($42,170) for a seat to enjoy a toast made by Lionel Messi and have a group photo with the soccer megastar." But it was refuted as false by Beijing police on Monday, ahead of a friendly match between the Argentina national team and Australia at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing. 

"Wait for Messi to propose a toast? If you were conned out of 300,000 yuan, then the police officer would offer a toast to you," Beijing police said in a post on Monday evening on China's Twitter-like social media platform Sina Weibo.

"Starting with a charitable sponsorship of 1 million yuan, we can promote your brand and issue press releases. We'll sign a contract to guarantee your payment," the fraudulent message said. Netizens soon posted responses mocking the message, saying it was obviously false.

The friendly between Argentina and Australia is scheduled to be held at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing on June 15. There have already been complaints about the skyrocketing ticket price, which ranges from 580 yuan to 4,800 yuan. But such is the enthusiasm of Chinese soccer fans that tickets for the game sold out within 20 minutes after becoming available on Monday. The sale of the remaining tickets is set to commence on Thursday.

Global Times