“Lion, lioness, and their cubs”- Fans react as Lionel Messi and his family parade with 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy in Argentina

Lionel Messi was seen parading the World Cup trophy with his wife and kids after Argentina’s international friendly against Panama. Argentina gave tribute to the triumph as the team returned to their home country for the first time since the conclusion of the World Cup.

Messi and his family were seen walking around the stadium as his kids raised the World Cup up in the air celebrating the win. Each Argentinian player was given a replica of the World Cup as they held a ceremony to honor the squad for their humungous feat.

Argentina hosted Panama in a friendly match where the Albiceleste won 2-0. Second half goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi ensured Argentina cruised to an easy win.

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Fans react to Messi celebrating the World Cup win with his family

This was the first time Argentina National Team returned home after their triumph in Qatar in December. Argentina beat France in the final on penalties to win the prestigious title in thrilling fashion.

After Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria’s first half strikes seemed to put the tie to bed, Kylian Mbappe came to life as he scored two to equalize late in the match. Goals in extra time from Messi and Mbappe led the tie to penalties on 3-3.

While Argentina scored each of four penalties they took, France missed two. Misses from Kingsley Coman and Aurelian Tchouameni meant Argentina were the new world champions. Lionel Messi was named Player of the tournament. Emiliano Martinez was also awarded the golden glove for an incredible tournament and for making crucial penalty saves for the team.

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Huge crowd surrounds Lionel Messi as he tries to leave a restaurant in Buenos Aires