As we saw in the days after December's World Cup final, Argentina sure know how to throw a party.
The celebrations after they won their third World Cup in Qatar saw astonishing numbers of fans fill the streets of Buenos Aires for the team's homecoming, and there were bound to be emotional scenes when the team returned to the pitch for the first time after that famous triumph.
That moment finally came on Thursday night, as Lionel Scaloni's team returned to Buenos Aires for a friendly against Panama.
The reception offered up by the packed-out El Monumental had goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in tears, while Scaloni and a clearly emotional Lionel Messi could scarcely believe the power of the crowd's support, on a special night for Argentinean football.
First post-World Cup Argentina game brings remarkable atmosphere
To get a sense of the frenzied atmosphere inside El Monumental, one only needs to watch the extraordinary video of the Argentina team emerging on to the pitch on Thursday night, and the wall of noise with which they were met.
It would have been a great night to have a decibel reader set up on the sidelines, with the Argentinean fans and team in unison singing the iconic song of the country's football team, 'Muchacos'.
Argentina's first home match as world champions. Skip to 1:35 and listen to that noise.
Goosebumps.
🎥@TV_Publica pic.twitter.com/uSFWjQEjSU— Football Ramble (@FootballRamble) March 23, 2023
The volume was only to become amplified when the Argentinean anthem was sung. A powerful solo a cappella rendition of the anthem had the entire stadium in full voice - and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in tears.
The whole of Argentina singing as one 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/jSqFCSvx8y
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 23, 2023
Argentina waited 36 years for a third World Cup crown, and they have shown that they know how to both celebrate and show appreciation for the heroes who brought the trophy home from Qatar in the winter.
Manager Scaloni would name the same starting XI that played the World Cup final against France on December 18 and, as he did that day, Lionel Messi found his way onto the scoreboard.
His last-gasp free-kick put Argentina 2-0 up against Panama, and put the seal on a memorable night for Argentina and their fans.
Lionel Messi quite simply is the 🐐
99 international goals.
800 career goals.
This is greatness. pic.twitter.com/J2YBkR88uH— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 24, 2023
After the game, a special ceremony saw captain Messi present the trophy to the Argentina squad, in front of a captive audience in the 83,000 seater El Monumental.
Leo Messi presents the World Cup trophy to Argentina 🏆
(via @btsportfootball)pic.twitter.com/voXZfqABdK— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 24, 2023
Special scenes to celebrate a special team.
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