Lionel Messi keeps his World Cup celebrations going as he dances to Argentina’s seminal anthem

Argentina’s talisman and captain Lionel Messi has been filmed continuing his post-World Cup celebrations as he danced at his niece’s 15th birthday party. 

Messi, 35, was instrumental in Argentina’s triumph in Qatar – scoring seven goals and generally putting the team on his back as the country claimed its first World Cup triumph since 1986. 

The anthem that went alongside Argentina’s eventual triumph was a version of the 2003 song ‘Muchachos’ by La Mosca Tse-Tse, called ‘Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar’, Boys, now we have hope again.

The Paris Saint-Germain star ensured his post-World Cup celebrations continued in style

A tournament that was earmarked by a startling lack of travelling supporters from many countries, Argentina’s supporters brought numbers – reported to be around 40,000 – and colour to Qatar, accompanied largely by an alteration on that particular song. 

The song has been adapted for years in Argentinian football stadiums, with various clubs putting their own spin on the anthem. 

In an interview with Billboard magazine, the group’s lead singer, Guillermo Novellis, said hearing Messi sing the song was like ‘going to Rome and being introduced to the Pope’. 

Messi crowned his career with the World Cup trophy as he led Argentina to victory in Qatar

The side’s parade had to abandoned and completed by helicopter after the bus was mobbed

A reported five million people turned out for the parade to salute their new returning heroes

Games involving Argentina came to be defined by the anthem that rung out around the stands

In the video released online, Messi can be seen dancing to the original of that song – no doubt singing the altered words while he performed the customary arm movement that defined many of Argentina’s games in Qatar. 

Having been mobbed by supporters on his way to the birthday party, Messi appeared to be enjoying the peacefulness of just being surrounded by his family. 

The superstar had returned to his native Rosario after spending 24 hours or so in Buenos Aires at the side’s parade. The bus journey through the city had to be evacuated as a result of the sheer number of supporters who had come out to salute their heroes, as well as some clambering on top of bridges to then try and access the bus. 

Messi had issued a message to his supporters after receiving an ‘Illustrious Citizen’ plaque for his World Cup exploits from the Mayor of Funes, Roly Santacroce. 

It came amid reports that he was seeking to avoid so many public appearances over the Christmas period, instead choosing to spend his finite time in his native country with close family and friends.

The star thanked fans for their support and apologised for not being so visibly public.

‘Well, we wanted to send our greetings to all the people of Funes, Rosario in general,’ he said.

‘We would like to thank you for the love you have always shown us, especially now at this time when I have just arrived back from the World Cup.

‘Forgive us as well because sometimes it is difficult to see everyone, we are with family and friends for a few days and sometimes it is complicated.’

Messi will return to PSG at the start of January after lifting the World Cup in Qatar

PSG boss Christophe Galtier confirmed Messi will return to the club on January 2 or 3, following his World Cup success – where he was named at the tournament’s best player.

Messi is expected to extend his PSG stay after reportedly agreeing a renewal of his contract until 2024. 

The Ligue 1 champions return to action against Strasbourg today, before facing second placed Lens on January 1.

Messi’s earliest return date to Ligue 1 action will be PSG’s home match against Angers on January 11.