Argentina defeated Panama 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday, with goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi in front of their home fans in their first game since winning the World Cup in December.
Lionel Scaloni started the same lineup that beat France in the World Cup final, and they looked dominant from the start, but couldn’t break through the Panamanian defensive wall until late in the second half.
Almada of Atlanta United scored his first international goal in the 79th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Messi’s free-kick hit the left post.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate with their families and World Cup trophies after the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Captain Messi finally got his 800th career goal and doubled the lead in the 89th minute with a brilliant free-kick that went into the top right corner, thrilling the over 80,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium.
“I’ve always dreamed of this moment, to celebrate with you in my country Argentina, lifting the greatest thing that is the World Cup,” Messi said at a post-match ceremony hosted by the Argentine Football Association to commemorate the country’s third World Cup title and first in 36 years.
“Let’s keep doing what we’re doing and enjoy ourselves because we’ve waited a long time to win it again.” Let’s celebrate the third star.”
“Eternal gratitude to these players,” a tearful Scaloni added. Football is theirs, and we would not have won the World Cup without them.
“Everyone who wears this shirt gives their all, but the results don’t always come.” But this time we got it, and it’s incredible,” the coach said before a victory lap of players and families reminiscent of the one his team did at Lusail Stadium 95 days ago.
Argentina will continue their homecoming against Curacao on Tuesday, while Panama will face Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Nations League.
