BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 17: Chinese fans cheer a goal by Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi in their first round match against Algeria at a viewing event at the Argentinian Embassy on June 17, 2026 in Beijing, China. Argentina won 3-0, with Messi scoring all three. Messi and the Argentinian team are hugely popular with mainland China football fans. China's national team failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2026, and only qualified once in 2002. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)