VIDEO: Crazy scenes as hundreds of fans gatecrash Messi dinner

Lionel Messi, who last year led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986, has cemented his status as one of the country’s most beloved sportsman of all time.

With Argentina set to be back in action at home for the first time since winning the World Cup, Messi has understandably drawn plenty of public attention.

ALSO READ | FORMER REF MAKES BIG CALL ON CONTROVERSIAL CHIEFS PENALTY [VIDEO]

Some footage has now emerged to show thousands of fans pitching up to a restaurant after learning that the 35-year-old would be present.

With Messi back in Argentina before they take on Panama on Friday, some fans made it into the restaurant venue, while hundreds waited outside.

A police escort was eventually needed to help Messi navigate the crowds as the fans chanted his name, but the Argentina playmaker seemed to take it all in his stride as he could be seen smiling as he exited the restaurant.

RECAP: TWO BIG CHIEFS AND PIRATES REPORTS TO TAKE NOTE OF

You can see the scenes that greeted Messi below:

Last month it was reported that Messi had reportedly spent £175 000 (R3 818 116) on 35 gold iPhone 14s for his Argentina World Cup-winning teammates.

ALSO READ | PITSO ANSWERS CALL TO HELP DESTITUTE FORMER SUNDOWNS PLAYER

Each phone has the player’s names, numbers and the Argentinian logo engraved on them.

“Lionel wanted to do something special and blingy to celebrate his proudest moment,” a source commented, as quoted by The Sun. “He got in touch with entrepreneur Ben Lyons and they came up with the design together.”

More details have been provided into the thinking behind the special gesture.

“Lionel is not only the Goat but he’s one of IDESIGN GOLD’s most loyal customers and got in touch with us a couple of months after the World Cup final,” the CEO of iDesign Gold commented. “He said he wanted a special gift for all the players and staff to celebrate the amazing win but didn’t want the usual gift of watches.

“So, I suggested gold iPhones inscribed with their names and he loved the idea.”

ALSO READ | FOSTER OPENS UP ON WHOPPING R131-MILLION PRICE TAG

THE SUPERSTAR RECENTLY WALKED AWAY WITH A MAJOR FIFA AWARD

Last month, Messi was named the men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris.

The 35-year-old, who last year led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986, received the award ahead of Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe.

Messi, who won the accolade for a second time, said: “It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t be here.

“I achieved the dream I had been hoping for for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so.”

ALSO READ | BAFANA FORCED INTO LATE SQUAD CHANGE