Lionel Messi scores stunning first-half hattrick to surpass 100 goals for Argentina

Lionel Messi was at his very best as he netted a first-half hattrick to reach the 100-goal mark for Argentina.

The freshly crowned world champions were in action against Curacao in a friendly match on Tuesday night.

Heading into the match, Messi was one goal away from reaching the 100-goal milestone for his country.

It did not take long for the 35-year-old to find the back of the net as he opened the scoring inside the first 20 minutes.

Nicolas Gonzalez made it 2-0 three minutes later, Messi then scored his second of the night in the 33rd minute.

Chelsea man Enzo Fernandez added a third before Messi completed his hattrick in the 37th minute. Argentina were 5-0 up at half time.

Further goals from Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Montien secured a huge 7-0 win for Lionel Scaloni’s men.

After surpassing the 100-goal mark, Messi now only trails two male players on the list of most goals scored for national teams.

Old foe Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way with 122 whilst Iran’s Ali Daei in second with 109.

Fans were quick to react to Messi’s latest milestone on social media.

One said: “Easy for the GOAT.”

Another tweeted: “He’s so incredible.”

A third fan added: “Goat doing the goat things.”

Someone else wrote: “Argentina are by far the best national team itw.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Greatest to ever do it.”

During his illustrious international career, Messi has scored 46 friendly goals for Argentina, whilst netting 28 goals in World Cup qualifiers, 13 in Copa America matches and another 13 in World Cup tournaments.

However, Messi’s future with his current club Paris Saint Germain remains uncertain with his contract set to expire at the end of the 22/23 season.

Where will Messi be playing next season? Only time will tell.