In preparation for the upcoming World Cup, Argentina locked horns with Haiti in their penultimate friendly before kicking off their campaign in Russia -- only a clash with Israel remains. This game saw the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi return to the national side after missing their 6-1 thrashing against Spain.
While the Man City ace made the scoresheet en route to an easy 4-0 win, it was the latter attacker who stole the show. The Barcelona bagged a hat-trick against the Carribean minnow while also setting up the fourth goal in the victory.
The 30-year-old began his affair courtesy of a penalty before adding another two in the second half. That feat also saw him reach an impressive feat.
His third goal, his 64th with La Albiceleste, saw him become the second-highest scoring South American player in international football. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner surpassed Ronaldo's tally of 62 for Brazil to move one step closer to the all-time record.
With his three goals, Lionel Messi has surpassed Ronaldo (the Brazilian) and is now on 64 goals, just 13 away from Pele who holds the record of most goals scored by a South American for his country. Via @SC_ESPN. pic.twitter.com/evY4IZMJqa
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) May 30, 2018
| Messi goes past Ronaldo of Brazil, to become the second highest goalscorer in South America for their country. Will he surpass Pele? pic.twitter.com/CGXXvDzS2W
— Barca Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 30, 2018
As of now, he is not too far off. In number one spot is iconic footballer Pele, who sits at the top thanks to his tally of 77 strikes for the Selecao.
Leo's three-goal haul was not the only thing to had everyone talking about him in social media, as his impressive skills floored two players once more. Check out the best tweets below.
Just Messi, doing Messi things pic.twitter.com/8l878OKNva
— The F2 (@TheF2) May 30, 2018
The Messi effect pic.twitter.com/gxMdTGcw7F
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) May 30, 2018
You know its Messi when this happens pic.twitter.com/AESee5KSEP
— Olu (@Shexxilona) May 30, 2018
Messi's last two games for Argentina:
— Football News (@FootballNews10_) May 30, 2018
Hattrick
Hattrick
pic.twitter.com/IfCctrD3ca
Lionel Messi has now scored 47 senior hat-tricks for club & country. #UCL pic.twitter.com/WkZyNTr8dH
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2018
Messi for Argentina:
— Barca Galaxy (@barcagalaxy) May 30, 2018
124 games
64 goals
38 assists pic.twitter.com/fmUodcGz0L
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