Cherished World Cup winner Lionel Messi was swarmed by thousands of Argentina fans on Thursday, as his side returned to their homeland to face off against Panama and Curacao three months on from their glory in Qatar.
Messi, who guided Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986, was met by wild scenes of celebration as he went out to eat at a restaurant in Buenos Aires.
The carnival atmosphere has shown no signs of slowing down, and it is the first time Argentina’s stars have returned to the country since carrying out 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, although the football is likely to be little more than a footnote.
The South American country plans to host more celebrations over the international break in what will essentially be an extended trophy parade. Thursday’s match against Panama has been drawn out into a day-long festival, and celebrations will continue until the players fly back to their respective clubs.
Argentina have planned for more days of celebration after their country’s World Cup triumph
Lionel Messi was swarmed by thousands of fans at a restaurant in Buenos Aires upon his return
Messi is preparing to face off in friendlies against Panama and Curacao – although the football will be little more than a footnote with celebrations planned throughout the week in Argentina
According to Argentina FA’s website, DJs and bands will provide entertainment before and after the match, which gets underway at 8.30pm local time, as well as during half-time.
A new coach about triumphant manager Scaloni titled ‘La Scaloneta’ will debut ahead of the kick-off, before a stadium-wide singalong of Argentina’s unofficial anthem ‘Muchachos’.
After the friendly, the players will parade around El Monumental – the stadium of Argentine side River Plate – and musical entertainment will resume late into the night.
The national team will then take the World Cup trophy to Santiago del Estero in northern Argentina, the venue for Tuesday’s friendly against Curacao.
SRC: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
