PAMPLONA, Spain ( Associated Press) — Lionel Messi scored his first goal scorer for Argentina in a 5-0 thrashing of Estonia in a friendly match played in Spain on Sunday and climbed to fourth place in the all-time scoring charts at the men’s national team level. .
The “Flea” pierced the nets twice in the first half, including a penalty defense. He added the other three after the break to reach 86 points with his selection.
Messi overtook Ferenc Puskas to become the fourth top scorer for the national teams. He reached 86 with Argentina and left behind the 84 that Puskas scored for Hungary and Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal leads the all-time table with 117 goals after scoring another two as Portugal crushed Switzerland 4-0 in the Nations League. They are followed by the Iranian Ali Daei with 109 and the Malaysian Mokhtar Dahari with 89.
Messi had never scored five goals for the senior Argentina team. He signed a re-poker for Barcelona in a 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2011-12 Champions League round of 16.
The 34-year-old forward provided two assists midweek as Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in the first Finalissima — the matchup of the South American and European champions. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was also champion in the Copa América last year, achieving his first major title with the albiceleste jersey.
“We couldn’t close the season in a better way,” Messi wrote on his Instagram account after the duel against the Estonians. “We won the Finalissima and today we added more minutes preparing for the World Cup. Thanks again to everyone who came to the field and to those who follow us from a distance. We’re going to rest for a few days and we’ll be back very soon! Hugs to all!!
Argentina extended its undefeated streak to 33 and confirmed its good feelings with a view to the World Cup that will be played in Qatar on November 21. The Argentines will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in the group stage.
Coach Lionel Scaloni was enthusiastic about Messi’s sweet present with the national team after a discreet first season in French football with Paris Saint-Germain
“I do not know what else to say. It is very difficult. It’s like Rafa Nadal, what are you going to say?” Scaloni said, referring to the Spanish tennis player who on Sunday extended his record harvest of titles at the French Open to 14. “You have no words left to describe him, and especially for what he generates. It is something unique and it is a pleasure to have him in this group, to train him, his behavior and how he toasts to this shirt”.
“I don’t think it’s just Argentina’s heritage, it belongs to the world. The day he doesn’t play anymore we’re going to miss him, so I hope he keeps playing and that everyone enjoys him and protects him because it’s a pleasure to watch, ”he added.
The match was played at El Sadar, the stadium of the Osasuna club.
