Following Argentina's unforgettable FIFA World Cup victory at Qatar 2022, it's safe to say the adoration for Lionel Messi back home has reached a new height.
The Albiceleste sensation has returned back to his country for the first time since the title parade in Buenos Aires and his hometown of Rosario, with Lionel Scaloni calling up the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner for their upcoming friendlies against Panama and Curacao.
Unfortunately, the 35-year-old could not enjoy peace and quiet out with his family as a video has gone viral showing the PSG superstar getting mobbed while leaving a restaurant.
La Pulga can be seen receiving a warm reception while making his way out of the restaurant, with the national team captain being showered with cheers and claps. However, a large crowd had gathered outside the establishment, and getting through that group needed intervention from security.
Fortunately, Messi got into his car safely. Check out the crazy incident in the clips below.
Lionel Messi leaving the restaurant. Rock star. Via @M30Xtra.pic.twitter.com/sxHStBX1kQ
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 21, 2023
UNA LOCURA LA CENA DE MESSI: Tocó llamar a muchos más policías de los que había para que pudiera salir y así se tuvo que subir al carro: pic.twitter.com/h3XRRxowuo
— Andrés Lacouture (@AndresLacouture) March 21, 2023
This crazy interaction is a result of a rollercoaster 18-month spell in which Messi went from being the greatest player to have never won an international trophy to conquering every single competition, starting with the 2021 Copa America.
La Albiceleste followed that up with a win in Finalissima against Euro 2020 champions Italy. However, the best was yet to come as Leo inspired the iconic South American nation to the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Argentina won their group ahead of Poland and Mexico before overcoming Australia in the round of 16. That's when things got interesting as Messi and Co. went on to beat the Netherlands, Croatia, and France in the final to lift the title for the first time since 1986, with Leo scoring seven goals and assisting three along the way.
While their upcoming game against Panama is a friendly, this will be the world champions' first match since that dramatic final against France. Additionally, Thursday's fixture will be held at El Monumental, the iconic stadium of River Plate, which means Argentina can expect an out-of-this-world reception from the home crowd.
