Argentina fans go WILD for Lionel Messi and Co as World Cup-winning nation plans DAYS of celebration
Argentina fans go wild for Lionel Messi and company as the World Cup-winning country plans DAYS of celebration ahead of friendlies against Panama and Curacao, almost mirroring their initial trophy parade three months ago.
Beloved World Cup winner Lionel Messi was surrounded by thousands of Argentine fans on Thursday as his team returned to their homeland to face Panama and Curacao, three months after their glory in Qatar.
Messi, who guided Argentina to its first World Cup triumph since 1986, was met with wild scenes of celebration while eating out at a restaurant in Buenos Aires.
The carnival atmosphere has shown no sign of abating, and it is the first time the Argentine stars have returned to the country since they staged their World Cup victory parade last December.
Lionel Scaloni’s side play Panama in a friendly on Thursday before taking on Curacao five days later, though the soccer is likely to be little more than a footnote.
The South American country plans to host more celebrations during the international break in what will essentially be an extended trophy parade. Thursday’s match against Panama turned into a day-long festival, and the celebrations will continue until the players return to their respective clubs.
Argentina has planned more days of celebration after their country’s World Cup triumph.
Lionel Messi was packed by thousands of fans in a restaurant in Buenos Aires upon his return
Messi is preparing to face off in friendlies against Panama and Curaçao, although soccer will be little more than a footnote with celebrations planned throughout the week in Argentina.
According to the Argentina FA website, DJs and bands will provide entertainment before and after the match, which starts at 8:30pm local time, as well as during halftime.
A new coach about the triumphant coach Scaloni titled ‘La Scaloneta’ will debut before kick-off, before the entire stadium sings Argentina’s unofficial anthem ‘Muchachos’.
After the friendly, the players will parade through El Monumental -the Argentine River Plate stadium- and the musical entertainment will resume until late at night.
The national team will then take the World Cup trophy to Santiago del Estero in northern Argentina, site of Tuesday’s friendly against Curaçao.