BUENOS AIRES - Thousands of Argentinians began massing in the capital from dawn on Tuesday to shower their World Cup heroes, led by Lionel Messi, with adulation.
The new world champions headed to the iconic Obelisco monument in central Buenos Aires in an open-top bus parade at midday, the Argentine Football Association said on Twitter.
And they were given a taste of what was to come when they returned home from Qatar in the early hours of Tuesday when tens of thousands lined the route from the Ezeiza international airport, where they landed at 2.40am, to the AFA training complex a short distance away.
"Good morning," wrote Messi on his social media accounts, alongside a picture of him lying in bed hugging the World Cup trophy at the AFA complex, where the team spent the night morning of people.
A massive security operation has been planned, with millions expected on the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate Sunday's thrilling World Cup final victory over France.
Tuesday was declared a public holiday for the celebrations.
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