Lionel Messi and Co given big send-off by Argentina fans ahead of 13-hour trip to World Cup base in Barcelona

Argentina's array of stars appeared to be in high spirits as they headed to Europe to continue their final World Cup preparations. 

Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Co were all smiles as they posed for a team photo while aboard a plane heading to Barcelona. 

Barcelona superstar Messi will have the pleasure of training in his adopted home city as Argentina have decided to set up camp in Catalonia. 

Argentina's stars were visited by president Mauricio Macri before they left Buenos Aires to represent their country at the World Cup, which kicks off in just 14 days. 

Fans also turned up to wave their idols goodbye and wish them good luck as they look to win their third World Cup. 

One supporter showed off his banner which read 'Messi we want to see you as world champion'.

Their stars would have had an extra spring in their step after hitting four goals past Haiti in their final home friendly before next month's tournament in Russia.

Messi scored a hat-trick while Aguero came off the bench to net Argentina's fourth.





MailOnline