In their first match in front of their home crowd since winning the World Cup in December, Argentina defeated Panama 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday, with goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi.
Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting lineup from the World Cup final win over France, as they looked dominant from the start but could not break through the Panamanian defensive wall until late in the second half.
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In the 79th minute, Almada of Atlanta United FC scored his first goal for his country by converting a rebound after Messi’s free kick struck the left post.
It’s a party in Buenos Aires after Argentina defeat Panama 2-0 and win their first game since lifting the World Cup 🥳
(via @btsportfootball)pic.twitter.com/rzevaqRmn9
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 24, 2023
At the Monumental Stadium, where more than 80,000 people were chanting his name, captain Messi finally scored his 800th career goal and doubled the lead in the 89th minute with a fantastic free kick that went into the top right corner.
After the final whistle, family members and kids joined Messi and his Argentina teammates on the field, while fans cheered on their winning team as they raised fake World Cup trophies. Fireworks were erupting in the background.
“I always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you,” an emotional Messi told the crowd. “to visit my nation and get three of the greatest trophies: the World Cup, the Finalissima, and the Copa America.
Panama vs Argentina. What is Panama doing? pic.twitter.com/75YH4fRZt2
— RGF (@rgfray1) March 24, 2023
“Even though I am aware that today is our day to rejoice, I don’t want to forget any of my previous teammates who worked really hard and sacrificed a lot on the pitch to help us succeed. “They merit the admiration of all Argentine supporters because they consistently gave their all for these colours.”
A heartbroken Scaloni added: “Forever gratitude to these players.” They own football, and we couldn’t have won the World Cup without them.
“Everyone who is wearing this shirt gives their all, but occasionally the results are unsuccessful. But this time we got it, and it’s incredible.”
Argentina will continue their World Cup winners’ homecoming with a friendly against Curacao on Tuesday, when Messi can score his 100th goal for his country, while Panama face Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Esto me hace feliz. ⭐️⭐️⭐️pic.twitter.com/rQfnfmCsG1
— Ale Liparoti 🇦🇷⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@AleLiparoti) March 24, 2023
Two late goals against Panama gave Argentina victory in their first game at home following their 2022 World Cup victory, putting a smile on the faces of the whole Stadium Monumental crowd in Buenos Aires.
Thiago Almada scored the game-winning goal for the home team with 10 minutes remaining after Panama made it difficult for the Albiceleste. The play had started with a Lionel Messi free kick that had hit the left post.
And then Messi would go on to score his 800th career goal as a professional, finally putting home a pinpoint free kick after striking the post twice on set pieces during the match.
It wasn’t looking too promising for Argentina as the group of Panama reserve players courageously held the defending World Cup champions scoreless, thanks in part to strong defence and timely saves by goalkeeper Jose Guerra.
Nonetheless, Argentina’s players outperformed, with Messi transforming once more in an Argentina jersey and second-half substitute Almada continuing his excellent form for his club team Atlanta United.
There were celebrations and musical acts before the match, and the party continued after the final whistle. The team next moves to Santiago del Estero for what is expected to be another day of festivities on Tuesday against 86th-ranked Curacao.