Lionel Messi’s Christmas: between special guests, a vigil of the fans and extreme security

Christmas Eve is coming, Christmas is coming and Lionel Messi He’s out to fight Santa’s position as the most wanted man on the planet. Secluded in a private neighborhood near Rosario since he returned home and celebrated the conquest of Qatar with a caravan in Buenos Aires, the “Pulce” will spend his first New Year’s Eve as world champion with his family. Within this tradition, this time he has decided to add some special guests for the occasion.

The national team captain arrived at the ‘Cradle of the Flag’ on Tuesday afternoon when he embarked on a private flight with Ángel Di María and Paulo Dybala. The Roma forward continued on to Córdoba and the others boarded a helicopter for the second time in 24 hours. This time there was no Olympic aerial tour. Only a few minutes flew to the Kentucky Country Club, where the “Flea” has a very expensive house.

“Thank you, Lio”, reads the blue and white flag that has been displayed at the main entrance to the town where other sports stars live. Due to the visit of the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player, this section of the Provincial Road 34-S has Santa Fe Police Custody. On the opposite side of the road, they have put up security fences, since the desire to see the idol who carried the cup hasn’t faded since his return to the village.

At the Kentucky pass there is no possibility of seeing Messi, but the essential thing is invisible to the eye amidst the overflowing happiness that generated the victory on penalties against France. Outside the urban area of ​​the city of Funes, journalists, all-round fans and people looking for a signature or a photo as part of a solidarity campaign mix. Even if the faces, the posters and the T-shirts change, the vigil has been going strong for almost a week.

“This cup we got is also one of the ones they didn’t get in the previous World Cups we played,” Leo said on his return from Qatar. Precisely, some of his first holiday guests were part of the runners-up squad in 2014. Speaking of that tournament, the man from Rosario recalled: “They all deserved it for how they fought until the final. They worked hard and wanted her as much as I did.”.

Two of the figures of the team led by Alejandro Sabella in Brazil were in Funes and greeted the leader of La Scaloneta: both Maxi Rodríguez and Javier Mascherano met the former Barcelona in his home province to celebrate the title that ended a 36-year streak.

Despite having experienced the tournament differently, the “Fiera” and the “Jefecito” coincided at the time of the reunion plan. Newell’s idol was with Alma and Aitana, his two daughters. Meanwhile, the Argentine Under 20 coach shared the photo that the “Pulce” took with Bruno, the youngest in his family. “Thank’s my friend”, she wrote when she posted the image on her official Instagram account. For his part, the author of the historic goal against Mexico in Germany 2006 simply described the figure of PSG as “the best”.

Accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, the captain of the national team has decided to extend the Christmas table after fulfilling his biggest football dream. This Thursday, Luis Suárez arrived at Rosario International Airport (AIR) to share some very special days off with his former Barcelona teammate.

The Uruguayan was one of many stars who leapt when Leo broke the spell and lifted the cup in Qatar. As well as in 2017 he visited the city for his friend’s weddingon this occasion he repeated the journey to toast a milestone celebrated in many countries, as well as in Argentina.

The former Atlético Madrid and Liverpool player took a private flight from Montevideo after it had already emerged that he planned to cross the pond. “I want to congratulate you on being world champion and that they are enjoying this beautiful moment,” expressed the striker in a video he recorded for his guests at the “Islas Malvinas” airport. He subsequently retired with his wife Sofía Balbi and their three children without contact with the press.

As soon as he left the Lusail Stadium pitch, the PSG star considered doing what Suárez proposed as simple as possible. He just wanted to go back to drink mates with his wife and sunbathe. But in Rosario they are not satisfied with this and expect a great tribute together with Di María and Ángel Correa before returning to Europe.

The demand born with the caravan of the Selezione da Ezeiza has only grown with the passing of the days. The vast majority of players starred in different acts in which they were recognized for their contribution to the achievement of the degree. From small towns like Calchín, where Julián Álvarez grew up, to Mar del Plata, the birthplace of Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. Just over 30 kilometers from the Cradle of the Flag, Lionel Scaloni has also embraced, laughed and cried with those who live in his native Pujato.

Both on and off the pitch, Leo is different. Although he has posted several thank you messages via social networks, he only got access to the photos and autographs when he landed on the golf course near his home. Earlier, Governor Omar Perotti met him at the airport and greeted him together with Di María. Airport authorities have released a video of the encounter, but the provincial president himself has asked for its suppressionbeware of the controversies generated in Buenos Aires by the celebratory plan which excluded meetings with public officials and a visit to the Casa Rosada.

Nobody wants to disturb Messi, but everyone wants to celebrate with him in his city, before returning to France. Mayor Pablo Javkin made the National Flag Monument park available, the epicenter of an unprecedented mobilization as Argentina emerged champions in Qatar. The proposal involves the application of the security protocol used for presidential visits, although preparations will not be started until the idol and his teammates say they want to go out and celebrate on the street again.

As expected, the World Cup has drawn far more eyes to Rosario. The “Pulce” was the protagonist in defining the tournament and Di María was no less one of the key figures in the match against France. But both cultivate the low profile with which they manage every time they go home and it seems to be another New Year’s Eve. Sure, this time they are back with the best cup to spend the holidays.

Rosary beads. Corresponding.