Messi nets 800th career goal as Argentina beat Panama
Lionel Messi netted his 800th career goal, powering Argentina to a 2-0 win against Panama in a friendly game at Buenos Aires on Thursday night.
Messi had a brilliant outing with his team mates in a game regarded a reunion for the team after their World Cup victory in Qatar last December.
Shouts of joy rent the air as jubilant Argentina fans, still savouring the World Cup victory, honoured their heroes led by Messi with a standing ovation.
Thiago Almada opened scoring the Argentine just 11 minutes into the game.
Prior to Thursday’s match, Messi had 799 career goals to his credit.
The Paris Saint Germain star struck the goal post twice with free kicks before burying the third into Jose Carlos Guerra’s net in the 89th minute.
Overwhelmed by the grand reception from home fans, Messi appreciated Argentines for their massive support after the game.
“I want to thank you all for the love and recognition that you have been receiving, not only after the World Cup but also for the Copa America,” Messi said. “We said that we were going to give it all for this trophy.”
With Thursday’s goal, Messi, 35, has now scored 99 goals for his national side, just one away from hitting the 100 goal mark for the Albiceleste.
Messi’s 800th goal came few months after he was named Best FIFA Men’s Player having played crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup Victory in Qatar.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Diaspora
Skilled migrant contributes £16,000 to UK economy annually, British worker, £800: London Mayor
“So the idea that skilled migrants are sponges or skivers is just isn’t the case,” said the London mayor.
Education
25% pay cut for Harvard president amid Trump’s funding cuts
The salary cut is set to take effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
World
Russian delegation arrives Istanbul ahead of Ukraine peace talks
Mr Medinsky, a presidential adviser and former culture minister, is considered a political lightweight in Moscow.
Abuja
MTN, CITN back tax reforms to boost national development
Mr Kadiri stated that MTN Nigeria in 2024 alone, contributed N48.6 billion in taxes, underlining the company’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
World
Germany backs Trump’s 5% target for NATO defence spending
“We need to produce more all over NATO, and particularly when we look at Russia,” Mr Rutte said.
