Fanatic fans almost tear off Messi's shirt in Beijing  

梅西抵京上衣险被球迷扒

Lionel Messi (C) makes his way through the airport on Oct 7, 2014. [Photo: Sina Weibo account of the Beijing Times]

(ECNS) -- Football superstars from Argentina and Brazil arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for the Americas' Super Derby to be held on Oct 11, receiving a warm reception from fans.

Lionel Messi was mobbed by hundreds of fans when he appeared at the Beijing Capital Airport on Tuesday, the last day of the National Day holiday. Manchester United star Angel di Maria and Barcelona teammate Neymar were also with him.

A stampede almost occurred after a fan crossed over an escalator and guards hustled fans for security, the Yangtze Evening News said. Fans were so eager to touch their idol that Messi's shirt was nearly ripped off. Even after the team had gotten on a bus, fans still tried to break in.

Kaka arrived in Beijing the next day and received the same reception. He was mobbed by fans taking photos and asking for autographs from the airport to the hotel.

The Argentine team failed to visit the Palace Museum on Wednesday, as security work hadn't been well prepared.

Unfortunately, the capital city has been shrouded in smog since Wednesday. A yellow alert for air pollution has been issued, with smog forecast to continue for the next three days.

Sina Weibo users joked that Messi should wear a mask during the match.