Paris Saint-Germain superstar Messi took his total of international goals to 90 goals in 164 appearances after he was substituted as a substitute in the second-half in the Red Bull Arena.
Messi’s goals were the highlight of an eloquent victory to his team. South Americans, who have been unbeaten for 35 consecutive games in a run that stretches from 2019 to the present – two short of Italy’s record of 37 games unbeaten which was established between 2012 and 2018.
Messi who scored two goals in an international friendly against Honduras at Miami the previous day, wowed fans with an electric appearance after he was substituted during the 56th minutes to replace The Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martins.
He scored his first goal of the evening during the final minute of the game in the 86th minute. moving forward and then launching an effort in the lower corner that sailed over Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Messi’s goals sealed an impressive victory in the favor of Argentina. South Americans, who have been unbeaten for 35 consecutive games for a stretch that goes through 2019 – two shy of Italy’s record of 37 games unbeaten that was set between the years of 2018 and 2012.
Messi who also scored twice in an international friendly against Honduras during a friendly match in Miami the previous day, wowed the crowd with a thrilling appearance after he was substituted during the 56th minutes of the game for the Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martnez.
He scored his first goal of the evening at the end of the 85th minute. moving forward and then launching his shot into the corner of the goal over Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Messi’s presence in the stadium sent fans in state of excitement. Three times, fans ran onto the field in an attempt to meet Messi, the Argentinian icon.
One fan who was not wearing a shirt tried to convince Messi to sign his name on his back, but he was taken to the ground by security personnel.
Messi’s late double was the perfect ending to another solid performance from Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina that are fast becoming one of the top contenders to win at the World Cup in Qatar in November.
The Argentinians were dominant throughout an uncontested first half and scored the opener at 13 minutes, when Martinez crossed the ball over Jamaica’s Damion Lowe before cutting back to the Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, who tucked away a low strike from close the distance.
Alvarez nearly had a second shot shortly after, but he swung his shot wide.
Midfielder Guido Rodriguez also went close but was unable shoot his volley towards the back post in the right direction and instead shot over the bar.
Giovani Lo Celso, too, threatened with a long-range strike that went just over the upper corner at the end of 33 minutes.