Argentina fans give World Cup heroes incredible welcome as Messi’s family watch on
Argentinian fans give the World Cup-winning heroes an INCREDIBLE welcome for their first game since Qatar’s 2-0 win over Panama…with Lionel Messi’s family watching from the stands in Buenos Aires as he scores a awesome free kick
Argentine fans gave their heroes a typically passionate reception before their first match after securing world glory.
Lionel Scaloni’s side won the World Cup in Qatar for the last time, beating France 4-2 on penalties, to claim their third title.
And fans flocked to the capital, Buenos Aires, to greet Lionel Messi and company when they take on the Panama Island minnows in a friendly on Thursday night.
The superstar scored, the 800th goal of his career, in a 2-0 win and delivered just as he did in the main tournament in December.
Thousands packed the Estadio Monumental, the home of River Plate, with fans waving flags, beating drums and singing merrily in another celebration of their World Cup triumph.
Among those present in the stands were captain Messi’s partner, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children.
Argentine fans gave their heroes a raucous reception in their first match since the World Cup
The music was played in the huge stadium over the message ‘Thank you champions’
Fans waved flags, dressed in their colors and beat drums in a party atmosphere
It was ‘Messi Mania’ for the victorious captain Lionel, who lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022
Paris Saint-Germain striker Messi, 35, started this Thursday in the friendly against Panama
Messi’s partner, Antonela Roccuzzo (center) and their children were present in the stands
Thousands packed River Plate’s Monumental Stadium to salute their triumphant heroes
The stands were a sea of white and pale blue as the seething mass joyfully saluted their stars.
Television news channels showed live footage of the players arriving at the stadium for the match along with a police escort.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Messi, considered one of the greatest players of all time, had previously been criticized by Argentines for not caring enough about his country or for not performing on the biggest stage like the legend Diego did. Maradona.
But all that has changed now, and hundreds of fans reportedly crowded outside a steakhouse in Palermo, Buenos Aires on Monday when they realized Messi was dining inside.
While he left smiling, surrounded by security, the supporters chanted ‘Messi I love you’ and ‘Thank you, Leo’.
Fans had to wait until the 89th minute to see more of Messi’s magic as he fired a stunning free-kick into the top right corner to double Argentina’s lead after Thiago Almada’s opener.