Lionel Messi choked back tears as Argentina were serenaded on their first outing since winning the World Cup in Qatar.
The South American side claimed their third title earlier this season, Messi’s performances inspiring them to eventual victory against France. It was their first success since 1986 and the era of the great Diego Maradona.
It triggered wild celebrations across the nation back in December before the squad flew back to Buenos Aires to join in. Whilst club action then returned to briefly halt the celebrations, they got back underway in earnest on Thursday evening in Argentina’s first return to the pitch since their World Cup success.
Lionel Scaloni ’s men took on Panama in a friendly at El Monumental. Before the game, the fans were certainly in fine voice as they toasted their heroes.
The vast majority of the stadium joined in with an emotional national anthem as the team lined up ahead of the game. Fireworks were then let off outside of the stadium as the reigning world champions returned to the pitch.
Messi and his colleagues struggled to keep their emotions in check as they attempted to take in the emotional scenes inside the arena. Messi - captaining Argentina once more - looked to be choking back the tears before letting a smile break out on his face.
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Aston Villa goalkeeper, and hero from the final against France, Emi Martinez was certainly not as successful at masking his emotions as he cried in response to the fans’ welcome. Elsewhere, the likes of Rodrigo de Paul and manager Scaloni hugged their children ahead of kick-off.
The good feeling certainly continued during the match as Argentina earned a 2-0 victory against Panama. Wonderkid Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the 78th minute of the tie before Messi stole the headlines with a stunning free-kick just a minute from full-time.
The strike saw the Paris Saint-Germain forward reach another astounding career landmark with his 800th goal on both a club and country level. It was his 99th goal for Argentina in all, whilst he has scored 672 and 29 respectively for Barcelona and PSG.
Celebrations among the Argentina squad continued after the full-time whistle at El Monumental as fans and players alike toasted their World Cup. Each player was given a replica World Cup to celebrate with.
Messi then spoke to the crowd and gave his thanks for their support. He said: “I always dreamed of this moment and to celebrate with you. With my country, Argentina. I don't want to forget all the teammates I had before because we also did everything possible to get it. Let's enjoy the third star.”
A vast array of Panama players also tried their best to get photos with the 35-year-old at the full-time whistle before he was joined by his wife and children on the pitch. The fans continued to serenade him for plenty of time after the game, with boss Scaloni also joining in with the chants.
Supporters also requested for Messi to get involved in the post-match dancing but he resisted before he then raised his finger to the crowd and wagged it to politely turn down their demand.
Away from Messi, goalkeeper Martinez continued to make the headlines as he copied his controversial celebration from the World Cup final as he lifted the trophy to his groin - a number of his teammates also joining in with the joke.
Argentina are next back in action on Tuesday evening as they take on Curacao in another international friendly.
