Did You See Argentina's National Soccer Team in Arlington This Weekend?

Photo courtesy of Tango Restaurant

Arlington, MA — You may have seen some extra commotion around Tango Restaurant in Arlington on Sunday afternoon.

The reason? Fans were hoping to catch a glimpse of some of soccer's biggest stars.

Superstar players such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and their Argentina National Team teammates celebrated with a victory lunch at Tango Restaurant in Arlington on Sunday afternoon. The team had just defeated Venezuela by a score of 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the Copa America tournament at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough the day before.

"I didn't know how big of a deal it would be," said Alyssa Mermet, manager of Tango Restaurant."They had asked us to put up curtains, and it was definitely needed. There were people climbing and trying to find a crack in the curtains so they could take pictures."

Mermet said that approximately 100 people gathered outside the Argentinian restaurant to catch a glimpse of the players. Team representatives had contacted the restaurant on Wednesday in preparation for the meal and coordinated with Tango staff in order to ensure a safe and fun meal for all.

"The team came in, shook our hands, sat down and had a really good time," Mermet told Patch."They don't get to do this all of the time, so it was a celebration for them. They got to have a little bit of food and wine that they're used to."

Mermet added that restaurant staff were allowed to have 10 guests and were able to take pictures with the players after the meal was over. Even Messi, the team's biggest star who also is largely considered as one of the best soccer players in the world, was happy to take photos and sign autographs after the meal.

"They just wanted to enjoy their lunch, but they were happy to take pictures and sign things afterwards," Mermet said."My nephews were there, and he (Messi) signed some things. He was very nice and gracious."

The U.S. Men's National Team will be next in line to face Argentina in the semifinal round of the Copa America tournament, which takes place Tuesday at 9 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.