Fans line streets to welcome Lionel Messi and Argentina home after brilliant World Cup win on national holiday
ARGENTINA fans lined the streets on a national holiday on Tuesday to celebrate Lionel Messi and Co's stunning World Cup triumph over France.
The South American champions won their third World Cup, and their first since 1986, on penalties after the game finished 3-3 after 120 minutes.
Right-back Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty, winning the nail-biting shootout 4-2.
As Argentina's heroes return to Buenos Aires in the early hours on Tuesday, it has been announced it will be a national holiday to celebrate the World Cup triumph.
Captain Messi departed the plane with the World Cup in hand.
While manager Lionel Scaloni gave a little wave.
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Messi is excited to see his fans line the streets for what could be a party for the ages.
He said: "I want to be in Argentina to see how crazy it is.
"I want them to wait for me, I can't wait to go there and enjoy it with them."
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Messi is also not ready to retire from international football just yet.
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The two-goal final hero said: "Obviously, I wanted to complete my career with this, (I) can’t ask for more.
"Finishing my career this way is impressive. After this, what else?
"I have a Copa America, a World Cup. Almost at the very end.
“I love soccer, what I do.
"I enjoy being part of the national team, the group.
"I want to enjoy a couple of more matches being a world champion.”
