Lionel Messi capped a night of unbridled joy with the 800th goal of his career as world champions Argentina celebrated their homecoming with a 2-0 friendly victory over stubborn Panama in Buenos Aires on Thursday (Mar 23). The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's stunning free-kick in the dying minutes came after 21-year-old MLS sensation Thiago Almada gave a glimpse of what the future holds with his first goal for the national team in only his third appearance.
Lionel Messi scored his 800th top-level goal as Argentina beat Panama 2-0 in their first match since winning the World Cup. The 35-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward becomes the second player to reach the milestone after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi's tally includes 672 goals over 17 seasons for FC Barcelona and 29 for PSG. He also has 99 international goals, with two coming in the World Cup final.
The Argentina captain scored an 89th-minute free-kick at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires to add to Thiago Almada's opener 11 minutes earlier.
Messi will have the opportunity to score his 100th international goal when Argentina play Curacao on Tuesday.
