Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal for club and country in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Panama in Buenos Aires on Thursday night.
The win over Panama came in Argentina’s first match since beating France in Qatar last December. The team was roared on by the home supporters. Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the second half and Messi added his historic goal right before full-time.
After twice hitting the post from free kicks, Messi curled his third try past Panama keeper Jose Carlos Guerra. In the 89th minute to hit the 800-goal mark, he sent the sold-out crowd at Monumental Stadium into delirium.
The Argentine superstar came into the game needing just one goal to reach the milestone. He scored his 799th goal in PSG’s Ligue 1 win over Nantes on Saturday.
The full squad from Qatar attended the match and took pictures in front of the World Cup trophy before kickoff. The players’ families later joined them in the pitch and each of the players proceeded to lift a replica of the world cup trophy in celebration. The players then walked around the pitch waving to fans as fireworks lit the night sky.
Since leaving Barcelona due to the club’s financial problems and joining PSG in the summer of 2021, Messi has scored 30 goals for the French champions.
The Rosario star has scored a further 98 goals internationally for Argentina, including seven goals in Qatar as he lifted the World Cup for the first time.
He has been named FIFA’s best men’s player a record seven times.
Source: ESPN
