After the Consecration in the World Cup in Qatar 2022
Following their victory in the World Cup in Qatar 2022, the Argentine national team has started 2023 with a series of friendly matches and new additions to the squad in preparation for the South American Qualifiers later this year. The team’s first match was a comfortable 2-0 win against Australia in China. However, key players Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Nicolás Otamendi took a break and made a stopover in Barcelona, where an unexpected incident occurred involving the team captain and a fan.
New Faces and Victories for Argentina
Under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, the team made some adjustments to their lineup as they entered this new phase after their victories in the Copa América, World Cup, and Finalissima. The match against Australia showcased Messi’s brilliance with a spectacular goal from outside the area, and Germán Pezzella sealed the victory with a header, highlighting the team’s growing dominance in recent times.
An Unusual Encounter in Barcelona
After the match, Messi, Di Maria, and Otamendi, the most experienced players in the squad, decided to travel to Argentina to spend time with their families. As a result, they agreed not to participate in the second scheduled match against Indonesia. During their stopover in Barcelona, a video went viral showing a fan chasing Messi, attempting to hug him, and repeatedly expressing their admiration. In response, Messi, in a surprising manner, politely declined the fan’s request for a photo, stating that they had already taken four pictures together.
Relaxing on the Beach and Enjoying Lunch
Despite the encounter with the fan, Messi and his teammates continued to enjoy their time in Barcelona. They were spotted relaxing on one of the beaches, where they were greeted by friendly fans. Later, they had lunch together at a beachside restaurant before concluding their vacation. Nicolás Otamendi shared a photo of the group on Instagram, captioning it “Friends.”
A Minor Mishap and Warm Welcome in Argentina
While signing shirts for fans after finishing their meal, Messi accidentally injured his finger when a chair moved unexpectedly. Despite the slight pain, he continued to interact with the cheering crowd. The excitement surrounding the world champions is evident in Argentina, as local media closely follows Messi’s every move, from his arrival in Rosario to his departure and encounters with fans who eagerly awaited him at the airport in the early hours of the morning.
Awaiting Public Appearances and Future Matches
The city of Rosario is buzzing with anticipation as they await Messi’s public appearances, particularly his presence at the farewell events for former soccer players Maxi Rodríguez and Juan Román Riquelme. Meanwhile, the rest of the team traveled to Indonesia to face the national team in a match scheduled for next Monday at the Bung Karno Stadium.
The Nation
