Argentina has declared Tuesday a national holiday to commemorate Lionel Messi and Argentina’s stunning World Cup victory over France.
The South American champions won their third World Cup, and they’re first since 1986, on penalties after the game finished 3-3 after 120 minutes.
The festivities will begin at 3 p.m. UK time. The shootout was won 4-2 by right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the game-winning penalty.
And with Argentina’s heroes returning 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 exited the plane holding the World Cup. While manager Lionel Scaloni gave a little wave. Messi is looking forward to seeing 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.”
Messi is also not ready to retire from international football just yet.
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.”
Kwarteng Seth