Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano watch the NBA in Washington

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano were pictured on the big screen at the match between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers. 

The Argentine national squad, who will play a friendly against El Salvador in Washington, were invited to watch the basketball game beforehand. Their presence caused excitement among the crowd. 

Messi posted a picture of himself at the game on the social networks, saying "Watching the NBA".

After the game finished, with the Washington Wizards winning, Messi and Mascherano, along with their team-mates, were photographed with various NBA representatives, including their compatriot Luis Scola, and Messi received a gift - a Wizards shirt. 

Watch the Barcelona stars at the game here: