Lionel Messi has now scored 800 career goals, after scoring an outrageous free-kick against Panama.
Argentina took on Panama in a friendly, in what was the first game for the South Americans as World Champions. The world champions had a tremendous welcome, and as the national song played before the game, they were moved to tears. It was the same starting 11 that had played the famous World Cup final against France just a few months earlier.
Many football fans expected the game to be a one sided affair, with Argentina thrashing Panama. However, this did not prove to be the case. The game was very tight, as Panama defended well. In the 78th minute, Lionel Messi almost slotted in a free-kick, but the shot hit the crossbar. Thiago Almada was the first player to get to the rebound and scored the first goal for Argentina.
The occasion would not have been perfect without a masterpiece from Lionel Messi himself. And, the PSG forward delivered in front of his home fans.
The crowning moment of the game came in the 89th minute as the Argentinian maestro stepped up to attempt another free-kick at goal. As he has done so many times before, the little magician walked and deftly slotted the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the net.
Messi scores his 800th goal with this wonderful free kick. 🐐
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) March 24, 2023
It was the perfect way to celebrate the hero’s return to Argentina and yet another indication of Lionel Messi’s greatness. With this goal. Lionel Messi’s goal tally for club and country now stands at 800.
Fans reaction to the Lionel Messi free kick
One summed up the utter joy of the moment, poetically replying, “The most amazing scenes on Earth in Buenos Aires. International football remains the most beautiful, spine-tingling, special thing in the game.”
“There are no words, just football,” a fifth beautifully put it.
