Argentina defeated Panama 2-0 in their first game after winning the World Cup, and Lionel Messi capped off the night of celebration with his 800th career goal.

In 89 minutes, Messi, 35, scored his 99th goal for Argentina from a free kick, erupting the 83,000 spectators at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires into jubilation. 

11 minutes earlier, a Messi free-kick that had hit the post and rebounded fell to substitute Thiago Almada, who scored the game's first goal. 

The Qatari team posed for photos in front of an exact replica of the World Cup trophy prior to the game, and manager Lionel Scaloni selected the identical starting lineup as the World Cup final.

But, they were forced to wait for the breakthrough as the defense fought heroically to stop the World Cup champions as Panama goalkeeper Josec Guerra made multiple saves. 

At a post-game ceremony hosted by the Argentine FA to commemorate the nation's third World Cup victory and first in 36 years, Messi remarked, "I always dreamed of this moment, to rejoice with you in my country Argentina, hoisting the greatest thing that is the World Cup." 

"We have been waiting a very long time to win it again, so let's keep doing what we're doing and enjoy it. Enjoy the third star, please."

Everlasting gratitude to these players, Scaloni continued through tears. They own football, and we couldn't have won the World Cup without them. 

"Everyone who wears this shirt works hard, but occasionally the rewards aren't what they expected. But this time we got it, and it's wonderful," the coach remarked before his team took a victory lap with their family, just like they did 95 days prior at Lusail Stadium. 

Tuesday's match between Argentina and Curacao will cap off a week in which Messi has been widely hailed as a hero.

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Ibrahim Inusah

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