Messi scores 100th international goal in 7-0 win over Curaçao
NOS Soccer–
World champions Argentina won the practice match against Curaçao 7-0. In Santiago del Estero, Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, marking the 100th time he has scored in the shirt of the Albicelestes. The Paris Saint-Germain striker reached that milestone in the 20th minute, with a shot into the far corner.
At halftime it was already 5-0 after goals by Messi (3x), González and Fernández. In the second half, Di María and Montiel, who scored the decisive penalty in the World Cup final, completed the Argentine celebration.
Messi now third
On the list of top scorers of national teams, Messi has now moved up to the third spot. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 122 goals for Portugal so far, Iranian Ali Daei comes in at 109 goals.
At Curaçao, NAC captain Cuco Martina and RKC midfielder Vurnon Anita played in the starting lineup. Richairo Zivkovic and Jeremy Antonisse (FC Emmen), Kevin Felida (RKC), Nathan Markelo (Excelsior) and Xander Severina (ADO) could make minutes later.
For Argentina, it was the second international since the World Cup final. The world champion wants to celebrate the world title with a number of practice matches in their own country and had contacted the Curaçao Football Association themselves. Last Friday they already won 2-0 against Panama.
After the match, Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room went off with Messi’s shirt:
