Lionel Messi and Argentina returned as heroes as they were greeted by thousands of fans at Ezeiza International Airport after landing in Buenos Aires following their stunning World Cup triumph
Argentina had taken the lead twice through goals from Messi and Angel Di Maria, but France were awarded a penalty just minutes before the end of extra time, which Kylian Mbappe safely converted to send the final to a penalty shootout, from which the Argentines emerged victorious on Sunday thanks to a brilliant goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The national team and the World Cup trophy, which they lifted for the third time on Sunday, landed back in Argentina at around 2:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning after a flight that lasted around 21 hours. Argentina received hero's welcome after returning from Qatar as world champions. Talisman Messi was the first to step off the plane, lifting the World Cup trophy triumphantly into the air as he and head coach Lionel Scaloni climbed the steps of the plane to greet the waiting fans. Messi and his teammates were almost pushed off the back of their open-top bus shortly after their arrival.
A video shows Messi and four of his teammates, including Leandro Paredes and Di Maria, having to dive under an overhead wire at the last second while slowly driving through a sea of cheering Argentine fans.Messi scored twice during the World Cup final at Lusail Stadium and added one more to his total haul of seven goals during the tournament, finally securing the only trophy that had eluded him so far in his sensational career
Scaloni, who had burst into tears after Gonzalo Montiel's converted penalty, put his arm around his captain as the two waved to the crowd on the tarmac. As soon as the players got off the plane, they went straight to an open bus waiting for them on the tarmac to take them to the headquarters of the Argentine Football Federation.Messi followed his tired teammates, including veteran Angel di Maria, who had given Argentina a one-two lead in the first half of the final before France caught up.
Goalkeeper Martinez, whose dark skills sealed victory in the penalty shootout, also received a warm welcome
Despite the long flight, the players were still in a jubilant mood as they waved to their fans from the roof of the bus, which had "Champions of the World" written on its side. Fireworks lit up the sky above the crowd, which stood several rows deep, and the musical group 'La Mosca' played
The flight with the World Cup trophy in tow, which took off at 5 a.m. Argentina time, was refuelled in the Italian capital of Rome before continuing to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. In total, there were two planes for the world champion's entourage, including players, coaches, staff and family members After landing, the jubilant players are expected to begin showing off the trophy to their fans, including at the obelisk, the landmark of the Argentine capital. Fans in the Argentine capital filled the streets waiting for the return of the world champions.
Despite the late arrival of the plane, many stayed up to gather in front of the headquarters of the Argentine Football Federation to greet the team. They created a party atmosphere, drumming and singing to celebrate their country's triumph on football's biggest stage. Many donned the national team jersey, especially Messi's number 10, to welcome the players home
Flags were draped and hung from all sorts of objects, including vehicles, while a giant replica of the Jules Rimet trophy hung from a crane. Some fans were even spotted on horseback waving the national flag while the replica of the World Cup trophy was displayed in front of them.
Argentina's heroes of the homecoming! Lionel Messi and how his victorious team are greeted by thousands of enthusiastic fans on their return to Buenos Aires to take home the World Cup title
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