The MotoGP icon is considered one of the best riders the sport has ever seen, and has a huge fanbase across the globe.
Upon arrival in Argentina this week, Rossi was mobbed by MotoGP supporters at the airport.
And the Italian admits he felt like Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona.
“Yesterday in the airport I received a warm welcome," he said.
"I felt like Maradona: there were people kissing my hands.
"The fans are ‘caliente’ and sometimes difficult to manage, but a lot of fun."
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I felt like Maradona: there were people kissing my hands
Rossi will be hoping to emulate his performance in Qatar last month.
The Yamaha rider finished third in the opening race of the 2018 calendar.
And Rossi is looking to continue his good form at the Termas de Río Hondo track on Sunday afternoon.
“I think that in Qatar we did a good job," he continued.
"Already during the tests we had managed to improve and I expected to ride a good race.
"Succeeding in doing so was a good way to start the season.”
The 39-year-old will start from 11th on the grid in Argentina this afternoon.