Lionel Messi is always welcome home. The soccer icon is back in Argentina, where he's been training with his team to play the last qualifying match for the World Cup. Earlier this week, Messi was spotted at the Lola Membrives Theater in Buenos Aires, where he attended "Rocky," the play that's currently in production.
The play is led by Nicolas Vasquez, an actor who is a close friend of Messi. He attended the show alongside his parents and caused an uproar on the streets, with onlookers recording him and cheering him on as he made his way out of the theater.
Messi was flanked by his security but stopped to wave hello at the people closest to him. He wore a dark outfit made up of dark pants, a black turtleneck shirt, and a black jacket with brown details.
You can check out the full video below, captured by the Argentine outlet "Todo Noticias."
Following the end of the play, Vasquez invited Messi onstage, where he shared a few words. "It's very special, because my whole family is here in Buenos Aires and they're always in Rosario," he said.
“I promised him I would come, and I had to," he said to Vasquez. "I'm so lucky to have come, to have enjoyed it, and to have been supported by my family and to be by your side. It's been a pleasure to be here and share this evening with all of you."
Is Messi retiring from the Argentina National Football Team?
Over the past year, there's been a lot of speculation regarding Messi's retirement and future plans. While he continues to play for Inter Miami, it's unknown when he'll stop playing for the Argentina National Football Team.
In an interview with Apple TV, Messi shared that his upcoming match would be special. "It's going to be a special game for me because it's the last round of the qualifying matches. I don't know if there will be friendlies or more games, so I do know that it's a special one," he said.
"That's why my family, my wife, my kids, my parents, my brothers, and everyone who can is joining me and supporting me."