More than 25,000 supporters packed the Martinez Valero stands, eager to catch a glimpse of the 38-year-old who was also handed a special Elche shirt with his name and number on the back to commemorate the occasion.
He reacted to the packed out stadium on social media, thanking fans for their relentless support:
"It had been a while since I'd been here, and honestly, the affection you always showed me everywhere I went still moves me.
“Thank you so much to everyone who came today, there were so many Argentinians too!!! It's always a pleasure to see you all again!!"
Argentina are set to face Angola in an away friendly tomorrow, a match scheduled to mark the 50th anniversary of the African nation’s independence from Portugal. The game should be sold out with supporters eager to catch a glimpse of Messi before he departs back to America.
Giant screens displayed Argentina’s flag, while a massive banner reading “Coronados de gloria vivamos” or “Let us live crowned with glory” covered the main stand. Reports claim that when Messi scored during a training drill, the crowd erupted as if he had scored in a real game, showing the excitement of supporters to see their hero live.