Messi scores 800th career goal in dominant Argentina win over Panama

Argentina secured a 2-0 home victory against Panama on Thursday, with Lionel Messi putting in a stunning attacking display.

The Paris Saint-Germain star struck the crossbar with two free kicks and then sent another into the top corner to reach a career total of 800 goals.

Thiago Almada joined Messi on the scoresheet, scoring Argentina’s second goal by forcing home one of Messi’s crossbar rebounds in the second half.

ALSO READ: BUNDESLIGA: Tuchel set for return as Bayern sack Nagelsmann

Argentina dominated the game from the start, with Messi’s free-kick hitting the crossbar in the 17th minute.

Panama goalkeeper Jose Guerra denied Enzo Fernandez’s rocket of a shot just before half-time, but couldn’t prevent Argentina from continuing their offensive in the second half. Five minutes after the restart, a Messi corner kick almost curled under the crossbar, but Guerra made a scrambling save.

The goalkeeper also denied Messi’s direct free kick and Angel Di Maria’s shot from the resulting corner.

ALSO READ: BIG MATCH PREVIEW: France, Netherlands open Euro 2024 qualifier in highly-anticipated fixture

Argentina’s persistence eventually paid off when Almada scored in the 78th minute after Messi’s free-kick hit the crossbar. In the 89th minute, Messi finally scored from a free kick by curling it over the wall and under the bar, capping off an exceptional individual performance.

The victory was Argentina’s return to Buenos Aires after winning the World Cup, and the El Monumental crowd’s support moved Messi.

Argentina’s early dominance was almost rewarded, but Guerra’s saves kept Panama in the game despite trailing in the shot count and controlling only 27% of the possession.

Nonetheless, Argentina’s relentless pressure and Messi’s incredible performance secured the victory for the home team.