STORY: Word spread that Messi was at a restaurant in the capital's Palermo area, prompting a rush of fans.

Footage captured by witnesses shows clients, restaurant staff, and random fans alike farewelling the PSG player as he left a steakhouse restaurant, while a huge crowd of fans were waiting and chanting outside.

Messi returned to Argentina to play a friendly match against Panama on Thursday (March 23).

This is his first game with his country since the squad won the World Cup.