BRONNITSY, Russia, June 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Around 400 eager fans turned
out at Argentina’s World Cup base camp to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi and
his team-mates at an open training session.
A particularly affectionate welcome was reserved for the Barcelona forward,
as hordes of adoring young supporters chanted “Messi, Messi” on his way out
for an hour-long practice on Monday.
After several days of chilly temperatures in the Russian capital, overcast
skies gave way to sunshine, with excited locals packing a temporary stand in
Bronnitsy, southeast of Moscow, to follow the action.
Injury had already struck Argentina on the eve of their departure for the
tournament, with West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini ruled out with a serious
knee injury.
Enzo Perez was summoned as a replacement for Lanzini, although the status
of Ever Banega for Argentina’s first group game against Iceland on June 16
remains uncertain after the Sevilla midfielder trained alone.
The odd Messi mask was spotted in the crowd, while others waved Barcelona
flags, as well as those of Argentina.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was then mobbed by dozens of youngsters at
the end of the session as players stopped to sign autographs.
Ernesto Lagorio, Argentina’s ambassador to Russia, was at the session at
the sprawling training centre, used by several Russian national sports teams,
on the banks of the River Moscow.
“We came to see our national team, it’s the first acquaintance with them,
it’s been great,” Lagorio told AFP.
“We’ve already been to Bronnitsy several times, we’ve worked a lot with the
authorities and the mayor. He’s helped us a lot, it’s been in the works for
several months.”
Asked whether he would be attending matches, he replied: “I hope to show up
until the final match in July.”