"He is our leader, our flag, and our reference" - Lautaro Martinez claims PSG's Lionel Messi deserves all the affection he receives in Argentina

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez recently heaped praise on teammate Lionel Messi, saying the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star deserves all the affection that comes his way.

Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup title last year in Qatar, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in the process. He also scored twice in the final to help his side overcome a Kylian Mbappe-inspired France.

Upon returning to his country in the first international break since the World Cup, the former Barcelona star has been showered with a lot of affection. He was also greeted by a host of fans outside a restaurant he visited for dinner.

Lautaro Martinez was quizzed about the clips of fans following the Argentina captain everywhere and he replied saying:

“Yes, I saw the clips. He deserves it. He is our leader, our flag, and our reference. I hope he also enjoys all of this, because he deserves it.”

Argentina are preparing to face Panama and Curacao in two back-to-back international friendlies during the ongoing international break. This will be the first time that Lionel Messi takes the field for his national side since winning the World Cup.

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Lionel Messi wanted to meet fans waiting for him outside a restaurant in Buenos Aires

Lionel Messi was reportedly given the option to leave the restaurant from the back door in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires after fans mobbed the main exit. However, the PSG forward was keen to greet the fans who had given him a lot of support and affection during the World Cup.

Argentine actor Adrian Suar was dining with Messi in the restaurant and he revealed that the great footballer wanted to greet the fans and not leave discreetly from the back door. Suar said (via @AlbicilesteTalk):

“Yesterday, when we were in the restaurant, they offered Messi the possibility of leaving through the back door. However, Leo refused, saying: ‘No way, at least, I want to go out and say hello to all the people who are there'."