Fans take photos of Lionel Messi on the bus on June 12, 2023. Photo: VCG

Lionel Messi joins an exclusive livestreaming event on Taobao, Alibaba-backed e-commerce platform, at 3 pm Wednesday (Beijing time). As part of the Argentine World Cup winner's visit to China, the event generates nearly 3 million views as enthusiastic Chinese fans hope to interact with the globally renowned soccer superstar.

During approximately 15-minute show, Messi recalled his impression on Beijing when he and the Argentine soccer team came to Beijing last time to attend the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. He expressed gratitude to enthusiastic Chinese fans, saying that he felt Chinese people are "very warm" and many fans watched the team's training session.

He also shared experience as to how to keep good condition during daily lives in order to attend more football matches. He said he likes basketball and baseball in addition to football.

As the Dragon Boat Festival, an important traditional festival in China that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, approaches, Messi said in Chinese: "Wish you peace and health on Dragon Boat Festival" and chose a scented sachet for his family.

Scented sachets are tied with five-color silk threads to ward off evil, and wearing scented sachet is a traditional custom during the festival.

A total of 2.9 million users viewed the live-streaming stunt, with many fans expressing their like and passion for Messi. For example, an audience posted during the livestream, "Wish Messi happy and healthy wherever he plays football."

Messi's arrival to Beijing on Saturday ignited Chinese football fans' enthusiasm, with large groups of fans seen waiting at the airport and team hotel to have a glimpse of the global star, according to reports. "We are so excited to breathing the same air as Messi!" some fans yelled.

The team's training was also canceled as the "outrageously passionate" fans waiting outside of the Argentina Team's hotel making it so that the team -- particularly the stellar Messi, were "unable to leave the hotel," the friendly's organizers said to media.

Messi will lead world champions Argentina against Australia in a friendly in Beijing on June 15.

"To all Argentine soccer fans and Chinese spectators: We are delighted by the enthusiasm you have shown, and hope that you can support our national team as usual in Thursday's match. With your care and support, we believe we will achieve excellent results. So, come on, Argentina!" the Argentine Ambassador to China, Sabino Vaca Narvaja, recently expressed his hopes regarding the game and gratitude toward Chinese fans in an exclusive interview with the Global Times.

"We firmly believe that through cooperation with Argentina and the development of young Chinese players, Chinese soccer has a bright future. So, you can rely on our support, and we sincerely appreciate your concern and love. Come on, China! Come on, Chinese national soccer team!" he said.