Argentina fans give WC heroes incredible welcome as Messi's family watch on

Argentina fans gave their heroes a typically passionate reception ahead of their first match after securing global glory.

Lionel Scaloni's side won the World Cup in Qatar in winter 2022, beating France 4-2 on penalties, to take their third title.

And supporters flocked to capital city Buenos Aires to greet Lionel Messi and Co as they face island minnows Panama in a friendly on Thursday evening.

Thousands packed into the Estadio Monumental, the home of River Plate, with fans waving flags, banging drums and chanting joyously in another celebration of their World Cup triumph.

Among those in the stands were captain Messi's partner Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.

TV news channels showed live pictures of the players arriving at the stadium for the match along with a police escort.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, had been previously blasted by Argentines for not caring enough about his country or not delivering on the biggest stage like legend Diego Maradona did.

But that has all changed now, and according to reports, on Monday hundreds of fans crowded outside a steakhouse in Palermo, Buenos Aires, when they realised Messi was inside having dinner.

As he walked out smiling, surrounded by security, well-wishers chanted 'Messi I love you' and 'Thank you, Leo'.

If Messi scores against Panama, it will be the 800th strike of his career, and if he nets a double, it will be his 100th for the national side.