Lionel Messi Scores 800th Goal Through Sensational Free Kick As Argentina Beats Panama

Argentine national team player, Lionel Messi (10). (Photo: Twitter @Argentina)

JAKARTA Lionel Messi officially scored his 800th goal in a professional career for clubs and countries while helping Argentina beat Panama in international friendlys.

Argentina won 2-0 in their first match after lifting the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy. In this match, Albiceleste appeared in front of his own supporters at the El Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires, Friday, March 24, 2023 in the morning.

Messi and his friends who acted as the host of the match dominated the game. However, they were only able to break into the opponent's goal when normal time was 12 minutes remaining.

Young Thiago Almada opened the scoring in the 78th minute to put the Tango side ahead. La Pulga then doubled the lead for his country in the 89th minute through a sensational free-kick.

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star bounced the ball past the walls of a Panamanian player and entered the upper right corner. The opposing team goalkeeper who jumped could not reach the ball.

🏆 #SelecciónMayor - #Amistoso🎥 ¡Tenía que llegar tu gol, capitán! ⚽pic.twitter.com/UzM49A0Utg

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 24, 2023

It was Messi's 800th goal in his professional career. This goal made Messi only need one more goal to score his 100th goal with the Argentine national team.

In addition to scoring the special goal, the captain also lifted the World Cup trophy in front of around 80 thousand fans and made a viral lap with his teammates who brought the same miniature trophy.

"I've always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you," said Messi, who was emotional after the game as reported by the Daily Mail.

Argentina will continue their journey as champions of the World Cup with a friendly against Curacao on Tuesday.