Lionel Messi tenderly stroked the World Cup trophy again and again, he took a deep breath and welcomed the more than 80,000 enthusiastic fans in the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti. "I've always dreamed of celebrating with you, coming to my country and with the Copa América, with the World Cup trophy," he said. 95 days after Qatar's triumph in the final against France, a copy of the World Cup trophy stood on a pillar in front of each of his teammates as Messi delivered his emotional speech in a firm voice to the Argentine football nation: "This is the greatest thing there is."
Afterwards, the 35-year-old star and captain of the Argentine national team garnished the big World Cup party in Buenos Aires with his 800th competitive goal in the 2-0 win against Panama. "Full party for the Seleccion", raved the sports platform "Olé".
"The best in the world"
Thiago Almada gave the South Americans the lead on Thursday evening in the 78th minute after a free kick from Messi against the post. In the 89th minute, Messi himself scored – and how!
From 22.5 meters he took measurements with his left foot and circled the ball over the wall into the opponent's goal triangle. "The best in the world and another historic night," tweeted the channel TyCSports, in the stands they cheered their big star with loud and long Messi shouts. On the pitch, every player hearted the captain for his 800th competitive goal in the 1017th game.
Even before kick-off, tens of thousands of fans had cheered the Argentine national team frenetically in the stadium of River Plate. When tango singer Ariel Ardit sang the Argentine national anthem before the start of the game, Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez were already moved to tears. Coach Lionel Scaloni struggled with emotions during Messi's words.
On Tuesday next week, Argentina will play another friendly match against Curaçao in Santiago del Estero. Messi could then score his 100th goal alone in the national team.