The world’s most famous soccer player, Lionel Messi, was at SMU on Monday afternoon. He partook in the Argentina national team’s preparations for its upcoming game against Mexico.

Argentina, one of the world’s best teams, was runner-up to Germany at the 2014 FIFA World Cup last summer. Its roster features some of the top players in the world, including Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Angel Di Maria, Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano, Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain, Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez, and of course, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

SMU student-athletes were invited to watch the practice from the stands at Westcott Field, while hundreds lined the fence to watch the superstars practice, chanting and singing as soccer fans famously do.

“It was pretty impressive to see them practicing. It was a great experience,” said SMU senior Freddy Edoukou. SMU first-year Andrew Fisher said, “It’s exciting to watch his [Messi’s] tricks with the ball.” All in all, it was a thrilling and memorable experience for the fans.

Argentina defeated Bolivia 7-0 on Friday, September 4 in a dominating performance that included a hat trick by Messi. The team will play the second of its back to back matches in the United States at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. CT.