Argentina fans give World Cup heroes incredible welcome as Messi’s family watch on

Argentina fans give World Cup winning-heroes an INCREDIBLE welcome in their first match since Qatar glory in 2-0 win over Panama… with Lionel Messi’s family watching on from the stands in Buenos Aires as he scores stunning free-kick

Argentina fans gave their heroes a typically passionate reception ahead of their first match after securing global glory.

Lionel Scaloni’s side won the World Cup in Qatar last, beating France 4-2 on penalties, to take their third title.

And supporters flocked to capital city Buenos Aires to greet Lionel Messi and Co as they face island minnows Panama in a friendly on Thursday evening.

The superstar scored – the 800th strike of his career – in the 2-0 win as he delivered like he did at the showpiece tournament in December.

Thousands packed into the Estadio Monumental, the home of River Plate, with fans waving flags, banging drums and chanting joyously in another celebration of their World Cup triumph.

Among those in the stands were captain Messi’s partner Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. 

Argentina fans gave their heroes a raucous reception in their first match since the World Cup

Music was performed in the massive stadium above the message 'Thank you Champions'

Music was performed in the massive stadium above the message ‘Thank you Champions’ 

Supporters waved flags, dressed up in their colours and banged drums in a party atmosphere

Supporters waved flags, dressed up in their colours and banged drums in a party atmosphere

It was 'Messi Mania' for victorious captain Lionel, who lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022

It was ‘Messi Mania’ for victorious captain Lionel, who lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi, 35, started the friendly against Panama on Thursday

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi, 35, started the friendly against Panama on Thursday

Messi's partner Antonela Roccuzzo (centre) and his children were present in the stands

Messi’s partner Antonela Roccuzzo (centre) and his children were present in the stands

Thousands packed into River Plate's Estadio Monumental to greet their triumphant heroes

Thousands packed into River Plate’s Estadio Monumental to greet their triumphant heroes

The stands were a sea of white and light blue as the seething mass greeted their stars joyously

The stands were a sea of white and light blue as the seething mass greeted their stars joyously

TV news channels showed live pictures of the players arriving at the stadium for the match along with a police escort.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, had been previously blasted by Argentines for not caring enough about his country or not delivering on the biggest stage like legend Diego Maradona did.

But that has all changed now, and according to reports, on Monday hundreds of fans crowded outside a steakhouse in Palermo, Buenos Aires, when they realised Messi was inside having dinner.

As he walked out smiling, surrounded by security, well-wishers chanted ‘Messi I love you’ and ‘Thank you, Leo’.

Fans had to wait until the 89th minute for some more Messi magic as he struck a stunning free-kick into the top right corner to double Argentina’s lead following Thiago Almada’s opener. 

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