Eternal gratitude to these players, says Scaloni after 'unique' celebration

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.

"Eternal gratitude to these players. Football belongs to them, and without them we wouldn't have won the World Cup," a tearful Scaloni said post-match ceremony organised by the Argentine FA to celebrate the country's third World Cup title and first in 36 years.

Scaloni reacts at the post-match presentation ceremony. Photo: Reuters

"Everyone who wears this shirt gives their all and sometimes the results don't come. But this time we got it and it's incredible," said the coach before a victory lap of players and families reminiscent of the one his team did 95 days ago at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

"Being able to give them the chance to celebrate at home is something unique. I don't when something like this will happen again. Let's hope in 3-4 years," added the 44-year-old, who was part of Argentina's 2006 World Cup playing squad.  

Aerial view of fireworks exploding before the start of the friendly football match between Argentina and Panama, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on March 23, 2023. Photo: AFP

Argentina will continue their World Cup winners' homecoming with a friendly against Curacao on Tuesday, while Panama face Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Nations League.