FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi was left teary-eyed with pleasure as the devoted Argentine populace gathered collectively on the Monumental to welcome the champions again to their homeland for his or her first recreation because the epic win in Qatar that engraved their identify within the annals of soccer historical past.
Messi couldn’t maintain again his feelings as 83,000 Albiceleste followers crooned in unison as the crew lined up forward of their kick-off in opposition to Panama in a pleasant in Buenos Aires.
Argentina beat Panama within the pleasant 2-0 with targets from Thiago Almada and Messi, who netted his 800th profession aim together with his late free-kick.
It was solely befitting that the magician from Rosario gave the Argentine crowd what they flocked in to see- their major man scoring and celebrating with unadulterated pleasure.
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The match was considered extra as a celebration of a crew that introduced again the World Cup after an prolonged wait of almost 4 a long time because the glory days of Diego Maradona, who final took the South American nation to the head of the sporting world again within the yr 1986 in Mexico.
Argentina stood tall in Qatar thanks to a masterful show all through the event from Messi, who additionally picked up the participant of the event award together with the largest prize in world soccer.
He additionally ranked second within the record of aim scorers within the FIFA World Cup 2022, solely behind French famous person Kylian Mbappe.
After a loss to Saudi Arabia of their opening World Cup fixture, Lionel Scaloni turned issues round as they went on to win the coveted trophy by profitable each recreation that they contested following their opening day horror present.
Argentina obtained the higher of Poland and Mexico of their remaining group video games earlier than knocking out Australia within the Round of 16. They survived a scare in opposition to The Netherlands within the quarters, earlier than convincingly beating Croatia 3-0 within the semi-final.
Messi obtained his crowning second as he led his nation to a 4-2 win on penalties after the match was tied at 3-3 after additional time.
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