'Let's enjoy the third star' - Messi scores 800th goal to cap World Cup homecoming

Against Panama, Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting line-up from the World Cup final win over France

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Rodrigo De Paul scoring his side's second goal against Panama during an international friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, March 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Argentina beat Panama 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday with goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi amid a festive atmosphere in their first game in front of their home fans after winning the World Cup in December.

Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting line-up from the World Cup final win over France as they looked dominant from the start, but could not break through the Panamanian defensive wall until late in the second half.