Lionel Messi Scores A Superb Solo Goal In Argentina’s 5-1 Thrashing Of Nicaragua

Lionel Messi has carried on his fine goalscoring form after scoring a superb individual goal in Argentina's 5-1 thumping of Nicaragua.

The Argentine maestro had fans excited when he darted to the edge of the box to pick up the ball, with the Nicaraguan players doing their best to contain him.

But the Barcelona captain showed why he has been in scintillating form for his club as he expertly dribbled the ball into the box, leaving two Nicaraguan players on the floor, before he buried a low shot past Justo Lorente.

Check it out below.

Take a bow, son!

The 31-year-old Argentine forward followed up his fantastic solo effort a minute later to score again and complete his first-half brace.

Lionel Scaloni's side remained in complete control in the second half thanks to Lautaro Martínez's brace and Roberto Pereyra grabbing his side's fifth.

Nicaragua were able to pull one back in injury time after Juan Barrera scored from the spot kick, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal in their thrashing at the hands of Argentina.

The scoreline in the match will be a big boost for Scaloni's side ahead of their first match in the upcoming Copa América.

Messi took a hiatus from international duty after Argentina's lacklustre performance in last summer's World Cup.

However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner doesn't think his side will lift the Copa América trophy.

"We are not candidates like other times. We will go with the same dreams and excitement as always, but the reality is that Argentina is going through a process of change," he told TyC Sport.

Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero, on the other hand, says that his priority is to win the competition for Messi.

"I'm more anxious to be a champion for Messi than for me," he told Fox Sports.

"Hopefully, one day it happens. It's his dream and everyone's dream. I put myself in his place and I want to try to do my best for him to lift the Copa América.

"It's been a long time that he comes here and he suffers. I also suffer. We know what he can bring and the rest have to be mentally prepared not to fail."

Copa América is hosted in Brazil and will run from 14th June to 7th July.

Will Argentina win the Copa América?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: FUTBALL ARENA/PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Copa America

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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