Argentina booked victory in the opening leg with a 2-0 win at Más Monumental, where world champions carried themselves with swagger and the night turned into a nationwide celebration. The event blended football with a festival of tributes and raw emotion before the team closed out the result against Panama.
La Scaloneta enjoyed the home glow, yet Panama’s defense stood firm, forcing Argentina to grind. The first half bubbled with festivity, only to reveal visitors who had arrived in Buenos Aires ready to defend. Lionel Messi lit the spark, sending free kicks toward the crossbar and testing Panama’s goalkeeper on multiple occasions.
At 77 minutes, the breakthrough came. The captain delivered from a set piece, and Thiago Almada followed up to convert the rebound. Relief swept the stadium as the Argentine attack finally pierced the well-organized Panamanian backline. Though Panama offered little danger after that, the night carried a sense that destiny favored Argentina.
Even with the win secured, one last moment of magic arrived. With just over a minute left, Messi curled a free kick into the corner to celebrate his 800th goal as a professional. The milestone was etched in the memories of fans who filled the Monumental and roared approval as the ball found its mark.
The celebrations continue with a look ahead to Paraguay on Monday, as CONMEBOL honors the titleholders with a Copa Libertadores draw, and a match in Santiago del Estero on Tuesday against Curaçao. The energy from the Buenos Aires night set the tone for what is expected to be a jubilant period for the national team.
Before the match, GOAL captured the party mood—an atmosphere of national pride and football passion that amplified every moment on the field.
ARGENTINA – PANAMA, MINUTE BY MINUTE
The action unfolded minute by minute as the Albiceleste pressed to seize an early advantage against the Canaleros.
ARGENTINE GOAL! Messi finally breaks the deadlock, pushing his official tally to 800 goals.
ARGENTINE GOAL! Thiago Almada finishes superbly to make it 1-0.
That was a strike to remember from Messi, a moment etched in fans’ memories.
The national anthem fills the stadium as anticipation peaks.
Argentina lines up in familiar world champion form, ready for the test ahead.
Ovation for Emiliano Martínez as he takes the field, wearing the third star as cheers surge through the crowd. This moment underscored the defense and leadership that define the current era.
Dibu warms up; the first big ovation of the night follows as Martínez prepares to enter. The crowd’s energy rises with every step toward the pitch.
The national anthem plays, previewing a night of drumbeat celebrations.
Resounding cheers erupt as Fer Romero performs a timeless World Cup anthem for a packed venue—an ode to football and culture echoed by fans across the stadium.
Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast as Argentina faces Panama on this FIFA date at the Monumental.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The match between the Albiceleste and the Canaleros was shown in Argentina on TyC Sports, with DirectTV Sports handling the transmission for Colombia and Chile.
FORMATIONS
ARGENTINA
Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis MacAllister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria. DT: Lionel Scaloni.
PANAMA
To confirm.