LIONEL MESSI was happy to greet hundreds of adoring fans after he went out for a meal in Buenos Aires.
The Argentina legend is back in his homeland for games against Panama and Curacao during the international break.
It is his first trip back to Argentina since taking the World Cup trophy on a victory parade of the country in December.
Messi, 35, visited a restaurant in the Palermo district of the city and was mobbed by fans.
But the Paris Saint-Germain rejected the offer to leave the restaurant by the back exit, according to TYC Sports, preferring instead to greet his supporters.
Messi could be seen leaving the restaurant accompanied by bodyguards, with chefs and other restaurant patrons all gathering to try and get a glimpse of him.
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As he stepped outside, the crowd became more animated.
They could be seen visibly pushing and shoving.
And one fan captured footage of Messi’s startled face as his bodyguards guided him through the crowd.
The ex-Barcelona star had cast a nervy broad smile, though did appear to be enjoying the adulation he was receiving.
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Argentina fans lined the streets of Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of Messi after he brought home the World Cup trophy.
They even surrounded his grandmother’s house in Rosario ahead of the final in Qatar.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk