Lionel Messi, undoubtedly one of the greatest football players of all time, and his Argentina teammates are set to return to their homeland for the first time since they won the World Cup in Qatar.
The news has sent the football-mad Argentines into a frenzy, with over 1.5 million fans applying for a mere 63,000 available tickets for the match against Panama at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
It is a testament to the love and adoration that the people of Argentina have for their football team and especially their captain, Messi.
The last time Argentina won the World Cup was in 1986, and since then, the country has been waiting for a return to glory.
The Albiceleste’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over France in December 2022, however, ended this long wait and brought about a wave of euphoria across the country.
An estimated five million people thronged the streets of Buenos Aires a few days later for the trophy parade.
Such was the multitude that the parade had to be abandoned long before it reached central Buenos Aires as it was already hours behind schedule.
Messi, who had previously hinted at retirement from international football, surprised everyone by expressing his desire to continue playing for Argentina for a while longer so that he could wear the blue and white Argentina jersey as a world champion.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s dedication and love for his country have always been evident.
And his decision to continue playing for the national team has only cemented his status as a hero for the people of Argentina.
Despite Messi’s passion for football and his country, his return to Argentina has not been without its challenges.
In a recent incident, two men fired shots at a closed supermarket belonging to the family of Messi’s wife and left a menacing message aimed at the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of Messi and his family.
However, Messi has taken it all in his stride, and his father has urged everyone to remain calm.
The incident has also highlighted a growing problem in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, a port city on the Parana river that has gradually become a nerve center for drug trafficking and the most violent city in Argentina, with 287 murders in 2022.
While the attack may not directly affect Messi, it is a cause for concern for the people of Rosario, and steps need to be taken to address the growing problem of violence and crime in the city.
In the meantime, the people of Argentina are eagerly anticipating the return of their beloved football team and their captain.
The match against Panama is expected to be a celebratory affair, with Messi leading the charge as always.
The people of Argentina will be hoping that their team can continue their winning streak and bring home more trophies in the future.
As for Messi, he will continue to inspire and excite the football world with his exceptional skills and passion for the game.
