Lionel Messi scores 5 goals against Estonia; becomes only player to score 5 goals for club and country
The international break has been a joyous one for Lionel Messi. He adds another accolade to his long list in the game against Estonia on Sunday night.
Earlier the Argentine won his second international trophy in the form of Finalissima. It was a special moment for him and Argentina, as they defeated the champions of Europe, Italy, to win the title.
Only a few days later, Messi achieved another milestone by scoring five goals against Estonia in an international friendly. With this prolific performance, he became the first player to score five goals in a match for both club and international teams.
Judging from the performance Argentina put up against Italy, everyone knew that Estonia would be able to pose no threat to them. And so it turned out to be as Lionel Messi, in general, torn through their defense to score five goals.
A Messi Masterclass
It all started for him in the 8th minute as he netted the first goal in the form of a penalty. Later towards the end of the first half, De Paul found him with a perfect through ball. The Estonian defenders were caught napping, and Messi sent a left-footed strike past the keeper. Making Argentina go 2-0 up at the 45th minute.
The third goal was a perfect example of Messi’s deft touch. This time he showed it in the form of a first-time finish from a cross at the 47th minute. The keeper dived in vain as the ball finished inside the post, gifting Messi a hattrick.
Messi is known for making a mockery of the rival’s defense, and the fourth goal was an example of the same. Messi received the ball after an Estonian player fouled. The referee decided to play on, and the little magician made the most of it. He made a solo run inside the box and beat a defender and goalkeeper with the perfect switch. This move left an open goal for Messi to aim at, and he did it coolly with his right foot. In the 70th minute, Argentina and Messi had four goals to show their supremacy.
Five minutes later came the fifth and final goal of the match from the boots of Messi. This time it was a comedy of errors that Estonian players failed to cope with. The Argentine wingers attempted two shots, and both of them got deflected. The Estonians, however, were unable to clear their line. A deflected shot by Dybala fell kindly for Messi, and he was too good to miss it. As a result, Messi netted the fifth goal of the match.
The Argentine Fans will be hoping to see a similar display of prowess and precision by their Talisman in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
