The Argentina national team celebrated in a full stadium, with their rival stubbornly resisting and standing as tall as possible, making it a night to remember at the Monumental.
What began as a game served as a backdrop for a larger celebration. More than 80,000 spectators filled the stands and countless fans at home joined in honoring the world champions. On the pitch, Argentina pushed for victory, while Panama gave a sturdy performance that kept the hosts honest throughout the evening.
Dibu Martínez, applauded as one of the standouts, remained calm and almost untouched by the ball, apart from a few agile clears of scattered centers. The action stayed close to Panama’s goal, with Messi guiding the team’s tempo as the main catalyst, though the woodwork denied him several times. Enzo Fernández also found the post’s woodwork after a shot that deflected off Guerra, denying a certain finish.
The second half saw Argentina press with greater momentum but without finding the net, thanks to sharp saves and moments of misfortune in front of goal. A free kick sparked renewed hope when Leo’s attempt struck the crossbar, Paredes pounced on the rebound, and Almada followed through to finish the play. The breakthrough finally arrived with the tenth goal of Messi’s illustrious career, delivered with a precise strike that crowned a memorable moment of the evening.
The third star shone over the Argentine squad as the night closed in, marking a successful first presentation. The celebration was vibrant and the match proved once again to be a hard-fought victory over an opponent who refused to roll over easily.
The full schedule of the Argentina national team for 2023 and 2024
GOALS, VIDEOS AND SUMMARY
- End of regulation and the start of the championship celebrations
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Messi embraces the moment as he graces the champion’s party with a clever free kick
- ARGENTINE GOAL! A second free kick from Messi hits the crossbar, Paredes rebounds, and Almada drives home to put Argentina ahead 1-0
- Penalty against Dybala; the game continues and Messi remains determined
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MESSI ALMOST MAKES IT WITH A HEAD-TRY
The captain leads by example as Argentina keeps pressing Panama’s goal.
- Messi’s next free kick sees him meet the keeper’s hands yet again
- MESSI SERVES ANOTHER WARNING! The captain tries to open the scoring with a free kick, but it stays level at the Monumental
- Halftime in Núñez, with Wos delivering another chorus that fans will carry home
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“DON’T ASK ME TO TRY AGAIN”
Wos performs “Arrancarmelo,” a favorite song of the Argentina squad, to a packed Monumental.
- The free kick followed a penalty on ten that briefly interrupted play
- The woodwork again denies Messi’s masterful effort
- The Argentine national anthem fills the stadium with spirit
- Dibu Martínez’s expressions reflect the pride of a victorious nation
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THE EMOTION OF THE NIGHT
The goalkeeper’s tears spoke volumes as the team left the field, a moment captured by fans and media alike
- Messi and the national squad warming up on the field
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THE WORLD CHAMPIONS ARE READY TO ROLL OUT AGAIN
Just over three months after the World Cup triumph, the Scaloneta reconnects with the nation at a blue-and-white Monumental
- The Monumental’s fans welcomed Dibu’s entrance with the night’s first big ovation as Emiliano Martínez took the field, proudly showing the third star
- Moment of tribute to Tula and the fans, with the chorus of “Muchachos”
- Fer Romero, famed for the World Cup anthem, sang along to the crowd
- De Paul and Paredes together with the team’s signature songs
- The Totoras set the rhythm for the afternoon
- After 3.30 pm, doors opened and the first fans surged in
STATISTICS
Source: Goal