Argentina played Panama on Thursday in what was nominally a friendly, but really just an excuse to celebrate their World Cup title on home soil.
But nobody told the Canaleros they were there for a party, which was evidenced when they tried to maim the guest of honor in the first half.
Just 15 minutes into the match at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi was dribbling the ball 10 yards outside the box when Panama’s Jose Murillo went in for a challenge from behind.
Simultaneously, Panama defender Kevin Galván flew in with as reckless of a two-footer as you’ll ever see.
amonestado Kevin Galván en Panama por una fuerte patada a Lionel Messi 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/rGsFsLDm3G
— Argentina Gol (@BocaJrsGol) March 23, 2023
Not that this challenge would ever be acceptable, but on this night, on this player? Read the room, Kevin!
Somehow, Messi escaped with just a bloody knee and Galván with only a yellow card.
Messi, as he usually does, would have the last laugh, scoring a picture-perfect free kick late in the game to mark his 800th career goal and cap off a 2-0 win.
The real scenes, though, took place before the game. Now this is how to celebrate a World Cup win.
From 2:50 onwards, I swear, I have never seen anything like this before. Argentina, best fans in the world. 🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/9rCdZ2hs2v
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 24, 2023
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