Argentina arrives home to huge party

In the afternoon, people started arriving at the airport and outside the AFA headquarters in hopes of getting a glimpse of the team.

Many were also already at the Obelisk, seemingly ready to spend the night there to ensure a prime spot for Tuesday's festivities.

Several players posted photos of the plane ride on social media.

Messi held the World Cup on the plane. Defender Nicolas Tagliafico, meanwhile, posted a photo of the World Cup buckled into an airplane seat as if it were just another passenger.

As of early Tuesday morning there were no official plans for Fernandez, or any other political leaders, to take part in the celebrations despite earlier rumors that the players would go to Government House, which was offered up for the celebrations, according to Security Minister Anibal Fernandez.

The World Cup and the success of the Messi-led squad has brought much-needed good news for a country that has been stuck in economic doldrums for years, is suffering one of the world's highest inflation rates and where almost four-in-10 people live in poverty.

Fernandez retweeted several messages of congratulations for the World Cup victory from other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Thank you for this greeting President Putin," Fernandez wrote on Twitter after a telephone call with the Russian leader.

"Let the happiness that today unites Argentina with so many countries in the world serve as an example: Our societies need unity and peace."

Agencies via Xinhua