Chinese football fans are expressing their discontent after learning about the high ticket prices for the upcoming friendly match between Argentina and Australia in Beijing. The organisers announced on Friday that supporters would have to shell out a staggering sum of up to $680 to witness Lionel Messi leading Argentina in this highly anticipated game, set to take place on June 15 at the Workers’ Stadium, with a seating capacity of 68,000.
This match serves as a rematch of Argentina and Australia’s previous encounter in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup, where Messi’s brilliance helped secure a 2-1 victory for Argentina, ultimately leading them to lift the prestigious trophy.
Organisers disclosed that tickets for the friendly will be released in two separate batches on June 5 and 8, with prices ranging from 580 yuan ($82) to 4,800 yuan. However, the announcement sparked immediate outrage among fans who deemed the prices exorbitant for an exhibition game.
Expressing their frustration on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media platform, one user criticized the organisers, stating, “I’m reporting you for robbery.” Another user sarcastically questioned, “For 4,800 yuan, will Messi carry us on his back while he plays?”
This event marks Messi’s first visit to China since 2017, adding to the excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts in the country. In an attempt to combat ticket scalping, stringent measures are being implemented. Attendees will be required to provide identification information and present their ID cards or passports to gain entry into the stadium.
Despite these measures, some merchants on China’s popular Taobao shopping platform have wasted no time in taking advantage of the situation. They have already begun offering booking services for the tickets, with one seller even demanding a staggering 18,000 yuan for alleged access to VIP seats.
As fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Lionel Messi in action, concerns about ticket affordability and accessibility continue to dominate discussions. The organisers may face mounting pressure to address these concerns and ensure that genuine supporters have a fair chance to attend the match without falling prey to exorbitant prices set by scalpers.
Comments are closed.