Beijing smog chokes visiting Messi

(ECNS) -- Lionel Messi may have met his match on the field – the Beijing smog.

Not long after a training session commenced at Beijing's Olympic Sports Center Stadium on October 9, he was seen covering his mouth with both hands and crouching down to take a rest.

Beijing has been suffering from a thick haze since Wednesday. The concentration of PM2.5, a major source of air pollution, surpassed 400 micrograms per cubic meter according to official statistics. A reading below 25 is considered safe by the WHO.

The government has raised its yellow alert to orange, and advised people to cut down on outdoor activities.

Messi arrived with his team on October 7 for the America's Super Derby against Brazil. The Argentinian star has remained in his hotel room when not in training to avoid the heavy smog.

However, fans need not to worry about the game being less attractive, both teams said.

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said his team will do its best to win, no matter what the weather. Brazilian director Gilmar Rinaldi said the game would indeed be a spectacle as both teams are long-time rivals.