Jubilant Argentina fans have paid a bizarre tribute to Lionel Messi by serenading his dog with a hero’s reception following the country’s World Cup triumph.
In a clip posted on TikTok by the PostUnited account, a group of supporters wearing Argentina shirts are seen singing ‘it’s Messi’s dog’ to the animal, a large Dogue de Bordeaux called Hulk, as they continue to celebrate their third World Cup crown.
The fans dance around as the dog comes into view before they then stroke Hulk as they continue to chant in the footage, which has been viewed more than 1.1million times.
A small group of Argentina fans chanted and sung ‘It’s Messi’s dog’ in the clip on social media
The group of fans then greet Hulk as they continue to chant ‘it’s Messi’s dog’ at the animal
The clip was posted on TikTok by the PostUnited account and has received more than 1.1million likes
Messi and the rest of the Argentina team landed in Buenos Aires in the early hours of Tuesday morning after returning from Qatar with the World Cup trophy following their victory over France in the final on Sunday.
The 35-year-old helped guide his country to their third World Cup with two goals in the match and by scoring the opening penalty in the tense shootout after the game had finished 3-3 at the end of extra time.
Messi lifting the World Cup with his nation cemented his status as the greatest of all time in the eyes of dozens of current players, ex-players and pundits.
Messi’s dog is a Dogue de Bordeaux called ‘Hulk’. The Argentine star bought him in 2016
Lionel Messi’s gargantuan pet is a French Mastiff, a breed of dog known for its size and power.
Such is their inherent strength they were formerly employed to transport heavy objects, while their imposing appearance has also seen them deployed as guard dogs.
Notoriously difficult to train, Dogues de Bordeauxs quickly become completely attached to their owners.
And Messi would do well to keep a few spare cloths around his home. His type of dog is prone to drooling – a lot.
The Argentine star first bought Hulk – also known as Señor Hulk – in 2016. In January of that year, Messi posted on Instagram to welcome the ‘new member of the family’.
Footage of Messi kicking a ball around with his dog then went viral on social media, with fans commenting on the large size of the French Mastiff. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs can weigh as much as 50 kilogrammes.
In the clip, Messi playfully knocks the ball over the dog’s head in his garden and in turn provides an idea of the scale of the animal.
Messi and his partner, Antonela Rocuzzo, have often shared images of them with their canine pal on Instagram.
They took him with them to Paris after Messi made the shock move from Barcelona to PSG in August 2021.
Messi and his team were given an equally-joyous reception to his four-legged friend as thousands of fans gathered near the airport in Buenos Aires to welcome home their heroes.
The world champions are due to take part in a ceremony at the famous Obelisk monument later on Tuesday.
Messi, 35, played a key role in guiding Argentina to their third World Cup crown.
source: dailymail.co.uk
