Lionel Messi celebrated with Argentina fans on Thursday after achieving his lifelong dream as the team played in their first match since winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

More than 80,000 spectators will flock to the Monumental Stadium in the Argentine capital for the friendly against Panama.

Winning football’s biggest trophy was seen by many as the perfect moment to end his illustrious international career, with the 35-year-old Messi determined to give more to his country.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said: Leo (Messi) is fine. He will come here and join the team until he says no. He is happy on the field with the national team.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker needs one more goal to reach 800 goals in his professional career and could make it a night to remember if he scores, although his rival Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way with 828 goals.

And if he scores two goals, Messi, Argentina’s all-time record scorer, will reach 100 goals for his country.

Messi last scored more than one goal in a single game last December in the World Cup final against France, where Argentina won on penalties to win the trophy for the first time in 36 years, sparking huge celebrations in the football-mad nation. .

Messi, who led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title and won FIFA’s World Player of the Year award last year, according to FIFA, for the second time in February, has had an impressive few months.

The Argentine playmaker, who has won seven Ballon d’Or awards, has done little to prove his worth as he has won 11 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and enjoyed huge success at club level with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. leagues and three Club World Cups. Likewise European Super.