People had rushed to snap up more than 60,000 tickets for the sell-out clash between Indonesia and World Cup winners Argentina after Messi's face was plastered across advertising for the event.

Having been awarded hosting rights, Argentina will also participate in Indonesia's place despite failing to qualify on merit.

Argentina has been grappling with an economic crisis for years, registering double-digit inflation in each of the last 12 years.

Having led Argentina to their first World Cup in 36 years with victory over France, Messi proceeded to make more history off the pitch with his photo gallery on Instagram, which racked up more than 65 million likes.

An open-top bus parade had to be abandoned due to the massive crowds, in favour of a hastily organised helicopter tour.

Argentina still need to win their final group match against Poland to guarantee a place in the knock-out stages.

Saudi Arabia beat the two-time winners 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Violent fans involved in illegal associations and even those in debt for food dues are part of a list of Argentines who will not be allowed to enter World Cup stadiums in Qatar, the Buenos Aires city government says.

According to authorities in Argentina, Gimnasia fans were trying to force their way into the stadium which was already full, and police used rubber bullets and tear gas to force them back.

Tests for known respiratory viruses and other viral, bacterial and fungal agents were all negative.

The incident took place at the entrance of Fernandez de Kirchner's Buenos Aires home, where hundreds of protesters have gathered to support the former president, who is in the midst of a corruption trial.

The publication of a photo of the dinner, with a dozen guests, had triggered a deluge of criticism in the pandemic-hit country, and elicited rebukes from both Fernandez's own party as well as the opposition.