Leo Messi set another world record after stunning free kick goal in Argentina National Team
Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal for club and country with a stunning free-kick in Argentina’s first game since becoming world champions.
Messi and Co. were given a sensational welcome by their fans in Buenos Aires on Thursday as they played their first match since their emphatic triumph in Qatar.
Just like at the tournament last year, the Paris Saint-Germain star delivered in his nation’s 2-0 victory over Panama.
Messi curled home an incredible free-kick in the 89th minute to double his country’s lead following Thiago Almada’s opener.
The superstar whipped the ball over the Panama wall and into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance from around 25 yards out.
I always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you,’ an emotional Messi said after the match, standing with his family on the pitch.
He lifted the World Cup trophy once more in front of around 80,000 fans and took a slow victory lap with his teammates, who carried miniatures of the same trophy, as fireworks erupted over the stadium.
It was Messi’s 800th goal in his professional career. If he scores another in Argentina’s next friendly against Curacao on Tuesday, he will hit the mark of 100 goals for the national team.
Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting line-up from the World Cup final win over France as they looked dominant from the start, but could not break through the Panamanian defensive wall until late in the second half.
Atlanta United’s Almada opened the scoring in the 79th minute with his first international goal after capitalizing on a rebound following a free-kick by Messi that hit the left post.
Argentina’s full squad in Qatar attended the match. Messi and others brought their families to the stadium.
Coach Lionel Scaloni was one of the most emotional; he was tearful before and after the match.
