Lionel Messi returned to action with Argentina for the first time since guiding his country to World Cup triumph in Qatar in December last year.
The seven-time Ballon D’or winner in a fully packed Estadio Monumental sent fans into frenzy with a vintage freekick in the dying as La Albiceleste beat Panama 2-0 in a friendly game. 21-year-old Thiago Almada had opened the scoring for reigning World Cup holders.
The animated fans who turned up for the match created an electric atmosphere with fireworks celebrations, both inside and outside stadium as only 83,000 fans were permitted to enter the stadium.
Lionel Scolani fielded the same line-up that started at the World Cup final against France to give the fans a glimpse of their heroes. Panama though, intended to spoil the party for the Argentina fans as the first half ended goalless.
The head coach made substitutions that saw the hosts, with a Messi involvement break the deadlock. The 35-year-old sent in a freekick that hit the woodwork, but Almada pounced on the rebound to open his account for his country.
Messi once again stepped up to take another freekick, and this time he was spot on as his curling effort hit the back of the net to seal the victory for Argentina with his 800th career goal that sent the fans into crazy celebrations.
The emotional night saw the entire Argentina squad with their partners and children go to the pitch as they were treated to a lap of honor where each member of the World Cup winning team was handed a replica trophy to lift and celebrate with their families.
Messi, the fans favorite had something to say amidst an emotional ambiance.
“I always dreamt of this moment being able to celebrate with you (the fans), being able to come to my country to lift a Copa America, a World cup. It’s the best thing there is.”
Messi after the game was was presented with several awards
A teary Scaloni praised his team’s commitment after the game. “I am eternally grateful to this group of players. Football is theirs! It belongs to all those that wear this Jersey. They leave every last drop of sweat and sometimes the result doesn’t follow. This time it did and it’s amazing.”
