Lionel Messi Brought To Tears By Crazy Homecoming Reception In First Post-World Cup Argentina Game (VIDEO)

Lionel Messi was brought to tears on Thursday night as Argentina fans gave their World Cup champion heroes a homecoming reception for the ages in Buenos Aires.

Previously living in the shadow of Diego Maradona, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner finally gained universal acceptance in their football-mad country when leading La Albiceleste to a third World Cup title at Qatar 2022 in December and ending a 36-year drought.

Lionel Scaloni’s men took to the field for the first time since the feat when they hosted Panama in a friendly at River Plate’s iconic Estadio Monumental this week.

As shown in footage that has since gone viral on social media and has been shared by local media outlet Television Publica as reproduced below, Argentina’s fans created crazy scenes before kick off while Messi lined up with his sons and teammates.

Fireworks and flares were let off at will, as the crowd in a stadium that can receive over 80,000 spectators moshed and sang at the top of their lungs in unison.

Messi was choked up by the ovation, which moved him to tears as members of the crowd also wept.

Heading away on international duty in South America will come as a welcomed distraction to the 35-year-old, who has his club future up in the air across the Atlantic.

Set to become a free agent on June 30, Messi may decide to extend his contract with Paris Saint Germain if they come back with an improved offer after reportedly attempting to lower his rumored €30 million ($32.5 million) annual salary to balance Financial Fair Play Limits.

A return to FC Barcelona is possible, yet complicated by the Catalans’ economic woes plus issues with UEFA
EFA
which could potentially see them banned from the Champions League if found of wrongdoing in a referee committee payments scandal after the European governing body announced the opening its own investigation on Thursday morning.

Judging by tonight’s display in the Argentine capital, however, Messi should perhaps consider calling it a day on the Old Continent and heading back to where it all started at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario. Clearly he would be adored each matchday, whether playing home or away.