Lionel Messi warmed up for Wednesday's clash against Croatia in a training ground game against West Ham's Under 21 side. But the elements battered the Barcelona superstar as a strong Argentina side were put through their paces at the Hammers' wet and windy Rush Green Academy base in Essex on Tuesday evening. A large gathering of local schoolchildren waited for an hour outside the club's gates to catch a glimpse of their hero. They screamed hysterically when the team bus eventually arrived as Messi fever gripped the East End. Lionel Messi practices his shooting as Argentina train at West Ham's Rush Green Stadium
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Argentina warmed up for their international friendly against Croatia with a practice game against West Ham U21s
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Behind closed doors game featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Angel di Maria
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Former Manchester City star Carlos Tevez deserves his recall after a lengthy exile, insists coach Gerardo Martino
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Hammers youngsters Matthias Fanimo and Sam Westley expressed their delight at playing with the superstars
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The Albiceleste will go on to play another international friendly against Portugal at Old Trafford on November 18
Playing against @placeholder was one of my best experiences ever.’