Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi scored a stunning goal from freekick as World Cup champions Argentina started their homecoming journey with a 2-0 victory over Panama in a friendly match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on Thursday. It was the first game for Lionel Scaloni’s side in front of their home fans after winning the FIFAWorld Cup in Qatar in December. The festive atmosphere was palpable as more than 80,000 fans cheered for their national team.
Argentina’s coach Scaloni, picked the same starting line-up from the World Cup final win over France. They dominated the match from the beginning, but it took them until late in the second half to break through the Panamanian defense. Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the 79th minute with his first international goal after capitalizing on a rebound following a free kick by Lionel Messi that hit the left post.
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. The fans went wild, chanting his name as he celebrated with his teammates.
Coach Scaloni was tearful as he thanked his players, saying, “Eternal gratitude to these players. Football belongs to them, and without them, we wouldn’t have won the World Cup.” Argentina will continue their World Cup winners’ homecoming with a friendly against Curacao on Tuesday. The fans will undoubtedly be hoping for another dominant performance from their team.