Lionel Messi in tears as Argentina fans welcome back World Cup heroes

Lionel Messi was left in tears by the Argentina fans, after the World Cup winning team returned to play at home for the first time since winning in Qatar.

Back in December, Messi basically completed football, as he helped Argentina to their first World Cup victory since 1986, and their third title in all.

The scenes back home in Argentina were understandably wild, with the party in Buenos Aires exactly what you'd expect from the passionate South Americans.

The streets were still packed the following morning at 4 am, when the squad returned from Qatar, essentially causing an importu parade before the official event.

Messi even struggled to get into his house back in Rosario after all the celebrations, with fans determined to get a look at the seven time Ballon d'Or winner.

He was initially expected to call time on his international career after winning the only tournament that had evaded him but later confirmed he would carry on.

And on Thursday night he was back in his home country, as the national team faced Panama in a friendly, in their first game since the World Cup.

Messi lined up as captain once again, with an unchanged side from the team who beat France on penalties in the final, and the fans sang an incredibly moving version of the national anthem, as fireworks went off, leaving the PSG star in tears.

Lionel Messi in tears 😢

What a moment as Argentina welcomes back its World Cup winners. pic.twitter.com/Pn9lHAw7uV

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 23, 2023

"That tribute was just amazing! well deserved for everyone! reigning Copa America, Finalissima and World Cup Champions!" said one fan.

"What a special feeling that must have been for those players and staff," added a second.

"Sheer Goosebumps moment!" noted a third.

One summed up the utter joy of the moment, poetically replying, "The most amazing scenes on Earth in Buenos Aires. International football remains the most beautiful, spine-tingling, special thing in the game."

"There are no words, just football," a fifth beautifully put it.

He got a taste of what was coming before kick off ahead of his return, with thousands of fans swarming him and his family as they headed out for dinner on Monday night.

However Thursday night was even more special for everyone, the first chance to see a World Cup winning side in over 35 years, one can only imagine.