Argentina Vs Panama: Lionel Messi Mania Grips Argentina In First Match As FIFA World Cup Champions - In Pics

Messi mania gripped Buenos Aires as the Argentina national team led by the PSG star himself beat Panama 2-0 on Thursday in a friendly match that was essentially a celebration of their World Cup victory last December. Although the world champions dominated the game, they didn’t get a goal until the 78th minute when Thiago Almada scored after a free kick by Messi hit the goal post. Ten minutes later, it was Messi's turn and he scored the 800th goal of his professional career with a perfectly executed free kick. He is now one short of the 100-goal mark for the national squad. After the match, the celebrations got into full swing and Messi took center stage, smiling from ear to ear as he received awards and accolades.

Updated: 24 Mar 2023 12:30 pm

Soccer: Argentina vs Panama | Photo: AP/Gustavo Garello

Argentina's Lionel Messi hoists the winning team replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy during a celebration ceremony for local fans after an international friendly soccer match against Panama at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Soccer: Argentina vs Panama | Photo: AP/Natacha Pisarenko

Argentina's Lionel Messi raises the winning team replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy during a celebration ceremony for local fans after an international friendly soccer match against Panama in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Teammates lift up Argentina's Lionel Messi during a celebration ceremony for the World Cup winners after an international friendly soccer match against Panama in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Soccer: Argentina vs Panama | Photo: AP/Julian Bongiovanni

Argentina and Panama line up prior to an international friendly soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal against Panama during an international friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Antonela Roccuzzo, wife of Lionel Messi, embraces their son Mateo prior to an international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Panama in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina's Lionel Messi grimaces in pain holding his bloody knee after being fouled by Panama's Kevin Galvan during an international friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina's Lionel Messi falls next to Panama's Jose Murillo, right, after being fouled by Kevin Galvan during an international friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A banner of Lionel Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy hangs in the stands prior to an international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Panama in Buenos Aires, Argentina.