Lionel Messi close to tears and Emi Martinez blubs as fans serenade Argentina in first game back after winning World Cup

EMILIANO MARTINEZ could not contain his emotions as Lionel Messi struggled to hold back tears ahead of Argentina’s first game as world champions.

Lionel Scaloni’s side are still flying high after their glorious triumph in Qatar back in December.

APMessi scored against Panama and then was hoisted up as they celebrated their World Cup win after the game[/caption]

APMessi and Emi Martinez got emotional as Argentina were serenaded by supporters[/caption]

Following a thrilling 3-3 draw with France, Argentina held their nerve in the shootout to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

A huge party back in the South American nation ensued for several days after they returned home with the trophy.

However, last night was the first time that they had actually taken to the pitch since their World Cup win and the scenes were INCREDIBLE at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

As the Argentine national anthem rang out from the 80,000-plus crowd, fireworks soon began to light up the sky.

The whole place was then rocking as Messi and Cristian Romero stood there trying to take it all in.

But it all proved a little too much for Aston Villa stopper Martinez.

He was spotted welling up as the supporters showed their appreciation prior to kick-off during the anthem.

Despite the waterworks, Martinez did go on to keep a clean sheet as Argentina capped the night off with a victory – although they left it late against Panama.

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Thiago Almada finally broke the deadlock with just 12 minutes remaining to get the crowd rocking once again.

And then in the dying seconds it was Messi’s turn to celebrate as he fired home his 800th career goal, and his 99th for Argentina, with a brilliant free-kick.

A special ceremony was then held after the game where each player received a replica World Cup trophy to lift out on the pitch.

And that was then followed by Messi, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, led his team-mates on a lap of honour.

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

GettyEach player had a World Cup replica trophy to lift in a special ceremony after the game[/caption]

AFPMessi celebrates with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo (L) and their children[/caption]