Lionel Messi takes pictures and signs shirts for Panama players after Argentina win

Lionel Messi played in front of an adoring home crowd for the first time since Argentina lifted the World Cup in Qatar – and it was not just the fans that were in awe, with opposing Panama players all desperate to meet the G.O.A.T after the match.

Messi took centre stage once again last night, playing a vital role in La Albiceleste’s 2-0 win.

The PSG winger hit the woodwork with a free kick in the 79th minute, but Thiago Almada was on hand to finish the rebound.

Messi then reached a personal milestone ten minutes later when another free kick found the top corner this time, his 800th career goal.

He is now just one goal off 100 for Argentina, having scored a ridiculous 701 at club level.

With fans all cheering his name as the match came to a close, the 35-year-old got ready to celebrate his country’s World Cup success.

Panama players swarm Messi after the final whistle
But his preparations were all put on hold, with Panama’s players all eager to get their own memorabilia of the day they came up against the best in the world.

Footage after the final scenes recorded several Panama players asking Messi for a picture, as anyone who met the Argentinian probably would.

One Panama player Iván Anderson went even further than to ask for a photo, approaching the winger with a pen and asking him to sign his shirt.

Messi had time for all the players that approached him – and who can blame the opposition for wanting to remember the day that they played the GOAT.

Argentina players celebrate with 80,000 fans
There was a party-like atmosphere in Argentina on Thursday night, as more than 80,000 fans gathered inside the stadium.

The tone was set even before the match kicked off, with Messi being reduced to tears ahead of the game.