Argentina World Cup stars touch down in Buenos Aires to hero’s welcome led by Lionel Messi

On Dec 20, 2022

Argentina’s World Cup heroes have returned to their homeland with the trophy after arriving at Buenos Aires airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

And they were greeted with mass jubilation as the South American nation continue the party following their success in Qatar. The Albiceleste clinched the World Cup trophy after beating France on penalties in one of the best finals in history.

Lionel Messi was the first off the plane as he held the trophy aloft while his triumphant team-mates followed behind as the red carpet was rolled out for the squad. Despite their arrival coming at the crack of dawn, there was still plenty of fiesta in the air.

Lionel Messi was the first off the plane as the Argentina squad returned home

Lionel Messi has led Argentina to World Cup glory after scoring six goals and grabbing three assists, including two goals in the final

As they were escorted to their team bus, the vehicle was immediately swamped by crowds of cheering fans all dressed in white and blue, their national colours.

There could have easily been tens of thousands present to welcome their heroes after their first World Cup victory since 1986.

Argentina fans arrived at the airport in their thousands to greet the squad

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the celebrations continued as the squad returned from Qatar

Fireworks were being set off while a live band played amid the carnage with fans singing and dancing throughout the scene. The Argentina squad sat atop their open-top bus soaking in the atmosphere – despite 17 hour flight time between Buenos Aires and Doha.

The Argentine government has declared Tuesday is a national holiday and a parade is expected on Tuesday through the streets of the capital.

There could be millions on the streets celebrating after a frantic finale against France on Sunday that went to penalties.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was playing up the mass crowd as the team bus slowly trudged back to the training ground

Argentina have returned from Qatar as World Cup champions

The scenes of jubilation throughout the South American country have been well documented as one video caught the streets during the penalty shootout prior to Gonzalo Montiel’s winning kick.

And the celebrations have not stopped since, with fans even taking over Diego Maradona’s old home to hold an incredible house party.

Thousands of fans have camped out at the Argentine Football Association’s training ground on Monday night as they hope to catch a glimpse of the players before they get their heads down, ahead of what promises to be a euphoric day for the country.

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