Emi Martínez was visibly emotional as Argentina were given a stunning homecoming on Thursday night.
In action on home turf for the first time since winning the World Cup in December, a sold-out El Monumental in Buenos Aires gave the hosts a raucous welcome before their friendly against Panama.
Late goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi ensured things went to plan – with Aston Villa’s No1 keeping another clean sheet – on the pitch before further celebrations after the final whistle.
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“I couldn't hold back the tears,” Emi said afterwards.
“Everything came to my head: what it took to get there. We wanted to win and enjoy it this way. I want you to go home happy today.”
Fellow goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was named among the substitutes for Finland as they kicked off their European Championship qualifying campaign.
A hat-trick from Denmark’s Rasmus Højlund condemned the Finns to a 3-1 loss in Copenhagen.
