Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain
Ryan Sidle
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi scored all of Argentina's goals as they destroyed Estonia 5-0 on Sunday evening, and the PSG forward's personal highlights are a must watch.
In the past it's been levelled at Messi that he cared more about his club than his international team, or at very least seemed to save his best performances for them.
After a year that has seen him be named as Player of the Tournament as he finally ended his international trophy drought at the Copa America and then have a poor first season for PSG, that can finally be put to bed.
Advert
Against Italy last week, in the Finalissima, the 34-year-old rolled back the years with an outstanding performance, including one moment of outrageous skill to leave Giovanni di Lorenzo in his wake.
On Sunday night he was once again on it, as he scored five goals in a friendly against Estonia, only the second time in his career he's scored five in a game.
It wasn't just his goals that caught the eye though, as the seven time Ballon d'Or winner was full of running and brilliant passes, in a near perfect individual display.
It may have 'only' been Estonia but scoring five goals isn't exactly an easy feat in any circumstance, otherwise everyone would be doing.
Advert
The opposition drew with World Cup bound Wales during qualification, and only lost 1-0 to them in the reverse fixture, whilst Belgium stuck five past them during the campaign it's not like they all came from the same player.
Messi also appeared to be playing in a deeper role, despite lining up as the number nine, with Joaquin Correa and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez either side of him doing much of the work further up.
The performance on Sunday, coupled with the destruction of Italy last week, will leave people fancying Argentina for the World Cup in November.
Advert
The five goals in one match was just the third time it's happened in an Argentina match, with Manuel Seoane in 1925 and Juan Marvezzi in 1941 having previously managed it.
Messi also became the fourth highest scorer in men's international football with his goals, although he only caught up to leader Cristiano Ronaldo by two goals.
The Portugal forward, who was put on the bench for his team's 1-1 draw with Spain last week, scored twice against Switzerland on Sunday.