On This Day: Messi and Argentina stars greeted by fans at The Grove
On this day in 2022, the Argentina football team arrived at a hotel in Watford ahead of their match against Italy. Credit: Twitter/X.
On this day in 2022, the Argentina football team arrived at a hotel in Watford ahead of their match against Italy.
Stars including Lionel Messi were greeted by cheering crowds as they entered The Grove hotel, located in Chandler's Cross, earlier that afternoon on May 31.
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Videos shared on social media captured Paris St Germain forward and record seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi leaving the team coach alongside other squad members.
He was seen waving to Argentinian fans who had gathered outside, chanting and singing his name.
The luxury five-star hotel is a popular choice for sports teams visiting London, and it also serves as accommodation for Watford's squad before their fixtures at Vicarage Road.
Argentina were set to face Italy in the Conmebol-UEFA Cup of Champions, a match that pits the recent winners of the Copa America against the Euro 2020 champions.
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The highly anticipated match was scheduled to kick off at 7.45pm on June 1, with tickets for the event at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium having sold out since the announcement of the match at the end of the previous year.
Prior to the game, Argentina were due to train at Watford's London Colney training ground.
[From the Watford Observer of May 31, 2022]
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