As Lionel Messi returned to the national team for the March international break, he was greeted with a mob in his native Argentina.
Lionel Messi will play for his country for the first time since the Qatar World Cup final in December.
According to Naija News, Argentina defeated France, the current champions, on penalties to win the championship.
Lionel Messi warned media prior to the event that he would not play for his nation again after the 2022 World Cup. But, the 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward stated he wants to keep representing his nation as a world champion after the World Cup.
After reconnecting with the national squad on March 22, Messi was seen dining out with his family in Buenos Aires.
He reportedly refused to go by the backdoor after leaving the restaurant in order to avoid being surrounded by the enthused admirers who were waiting for him outside.
The eagerly awaiting supporters surrounded him as soon as he exited the building through the front entrance, as his security attempted to keep the record-breaking seven-time Ballon d’Or winner away from the crowd.
As that happened, there was some pushing, but that didn’t stop some lucky fans from capturing the unique scene on camera.
Lionel Messi leaving the restaurant. Rock star. Via @M30Xtra.pic.twitter.com/sxHStBX1kQ
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 21, 2023
Lionel Messi trying to leave a restaurant in Argentina last night
(via @AndresLacouture)pic.twitter.com/xI1fWy6Xpa
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 21, 2023
Games Messi’s Argentina will play this March and kick-off time:
National teams will keep football fans occupied with some international play during the first international break of 2023 while club football worldwide is put on pause.
The Argentina national team will be quite active during the break, much like other national teams. International friendlies between Messi’s team and Curacao and Panama are scheduled.
On Friday, March 24, Panama will travel to the El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires to face Argentina. The game will start at one.
On Tuesday, March 28, Argentina’s final match before the break will take place in Santiago del Estero’s Stadium Unico Madre de Ciudades. The start time has not yet been decided.