Argentina, the world champions, won the first international match following the World Cup. The Albicelesta defeated the weak Panama by two goals in a friendly match where superstar Lionel Messi scored a free kick. Panama, who built a defensive line once morest Argentina, which was lined up with brilliant players, kept the first half scoreless, but the hosts opened the victory thanks to Messi’s set piece excellence. Thiago Almada and Messi were the scorers. It was Messi’s 800th career goal.
Argentina, who started the first match with a jersey consisting of three stars, fielded the first eleven by including only the players who played in the Qatar World Cup. Despite dominating possession, Panama kept their own goal shut and kept Lionel Scaloni’s men from scoring in the first half. A goal attempt by Messi was broken by the post.
Argentina came out with three changes in the second half. Panama continued to defend stoutly, but the hosts, who stepped up their attack in the final stages of the game, looked as if they might score at any time.
Paulo Dybala opened the way for Argentina’s first goal with a free kick 25 meters out following a penalty appeal was rejected. Messi who took the kick beat the goalkeeper completely but the ball hit the right corner of the post. Rodrigo DePaul’s attempt at the rebound was unsuccessful, but Almada, who came with him, did not make a mistake. Panama keeper Hossa Guerra, who had filled the field with excellent saves until then, was not in position to stop the shot from close range.
In the 89th minute, Messi scored his 800th career goal to seal victory for the world champions. This time, the ball that the superstar lifted from a distance of 22 meters curved in the air and landed on the left side of the goalkeeper. Messi’s goal was foiled by Jose Guerra’s full-length dive. This was Messi’s 99th goal for Argentina.